general rule

:  involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole

:  involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group

:  not confined by specialization or careful limitation

:  something (such as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole

:  superior general

:  the general public :  people

:  a prescribed guide for conduct or action

:  the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its members

:  an accepted procedure, custom, or habit

:  to exert control, direction, or influence on

:  to exercise control over especially by curbing or restraining

:  to exercise authority or power over often harshly or arbitrarily