Main Entry:

¹rule

Pronunciation:

\ˈrül\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English reule, from Anglo-French, from Latin regula straightedge, rule, from regere to keep straight, direct — more at right

Date:

13th century

1 a: a prescribed guide for conduct or action b: the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its members c: an accepted procedure, custom, or habit d (1): a usually written order or direction made by a court regulating court practice or the action of parties (2): a legal precept or doctrine e: a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or controlling conduct2 a (1): a usually valid generalization (2): a generally prevailing quality, state, or mode <fair weather was the rule yesterday — New York Times> b: a standard of judgment : criterion c: a regulating principle d: a determinate method for performing a mathematical operation and obtaining a certain result3 a: the exercise of authority or control : dominion b: a period during which a specified ruler or government exercises control4 a: a strip of material marked off in units used especially for measuring : ruler 3, tape measure b: a metal strip with a type-high face that prints a linear design ; also : a linear design produced by or as if by such a strip

synonyms see law

— as a rule

: for the most part : generally