Rubric

n. [Fr. rubrique, Pr., Sp., Pg., It., & Lat. rubrica, from Lat. rubrica, red earth for coloring, red chalk, from ruber, red.] That part of any work which in the early manuscripts and typography was colored red, to distinguish it from other portions; hence, specifically, (a.) (General Lit.) The title-page, or parts of it; the initial letters, &c., when printed in red. (b.) (Law-books.) The title of a statute;—so called as being anciently written in red letters. Bell. (c.) (Prayer-books of the Episcopal Church.) The directions and rules for the conduct of service, formerly printed in red; and hence, an ecclesiastical or episcopal injunction.

All the clergy in England solemnly pledge themselves to observe the rubrics. Hook.

(d.) Hence, also, that which is established or settled, as by authority; a thing definitely settled or fixed.

Nay, as a duty, it had no place or rubric in human conceptions before Christianity. De Quincey.

v. t. To adorn with red; to redden; to rubricate. [Rare.] Johnson.