Rule

(32), n. [O. Fr. reule, riule, riegle, Norm. Fr. reule, N. Fr. règle, Pr. & Sp. regla, Pg. regra, regoa, It. regola, Lat. regula, a ruler, rule, model, fr. regere, rectum, to lead straight, to direct; A-S. regol, regul, reogol, Ger., D., Dan., & Sw. regel, W. rheol, Armor. reol.]

1Sense 1. A straight piece of wood, metal, or the like, which serves as a guide in drawing a straight line, or as a measuring rod for short distances.

A judicious artist will use his eye, but he will trust only to his rule. South.

2Sense 2. That which is prescribed or laid down as a guide to conduct; that which is settled by authority or custom; a regulation; a prescription; a minor law; a uniform course of things.

'Tis against the rule of nature. Shak.

3Sense 3. The usual or appointed course of procedure; hence, behavior. “Uncivil rule.” Shak.

4Sense 4. The administration of law; government; sway; empire; authority; control.

His stern rule the groaning land obeyed. Pope.

5Sense 5. (Law.) An order regulating the practice of the courts, or an order made between parties to an action or suit. Wharton.

6Sense 6. (Math.) A determinate method prescribed for performing any operation and producing a certain result.

7Sense 7. (Gram.) A general principle concerning the formation or use of words, or a concise statement thereof; thus, it is a rule in English, that s or es, added to a noun in the singular number, forms the plural of that noun; but “man” forms its plural “men,” and is an exception to the rule.

Rule of three (Arith.), that rule which directs, when three terms are given, how to find a fourth, which shall have the same ratio to the third term as the second has to the first; proportion.

Synonyms—Regulation; law; precept; maxim; guide; canon; order; method; direction; control; government, sway; empire.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. RULED; p. pr. & vb. n. RULING.] [O. Fr. riuler, réguler, N. Fr. régler, Lat. regulare. See REGULATE.]

1Sense 1. To mark with lines by a ruler; as, to rule a blank book.

2Sense 2. To control the will and actions of; to exercise authority over; to lay down a guide for; to govern.

I think she will be ruled in all respects. Shak.

3Sense 3. To establish or lay down as a rule, a decree, or decision.

That's a ruled case with the schoolmen. Atterbury.

4Sense 4. (Law.) To require or command by rule; to enter a rule against.

1Sense 1. To have power or command; to exercise supreme authority;—often followed by over.

By me princes rule. Prov. viii. 16.

We subdue and rule over all other creatures. Ray.

2Sense 2. (Law.) To lay down and settle a rule or order of court; to decide; to order by rule; to enter a rule. Burrill. Bouvier.

3Sense 3. (Com.) To stand or maintain an average; as, prices rule lower than formerly.