rubric


ru·bric

noun \ˈrü-brik, -ˌbrik\

Definition of RUBRIC

1
a : an authoritative rule; especially : a rule for conduct of a liturgical service b (1) : name, title; specifically : the title of a statute (2) : something under which a thing is classed : category <the sensations falling under the general rubric, “pressure” — F. A. Geldard> c : an explanatory or introductory commentary : gloss; specifically : an editorial interpolation
2
: a heading of a part of a book or manuscript done or underlined in a color (as red) different from the rest
3
: an established rule, tradition, or custom
rubric or ru·bri·cal \-bri-kəl\ adjective
ru·bri·cal·ly\-bri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of RUBRIC

  1. <the rubrics at the beginning of the chapters are intended to be humorous>
  2. <the rubric, popular among jewelers anyway, that a man should spend a month's salary on his fiancée's engagement ring>

Origin of RUBRIC

Middle English rubrike red ocher, heading in red letters of part of a book, from Anglo-French, from Latin rubrica, from rubr-, ruber red
First Known Use: 14th century

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