rule

I. 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 conduct 2. 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 result 3. a. the exercise of authority or control ; dominion b. a period during which a specified ruler or government exercises control 4. 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 II. verb (ruled; ruling) Date: 13th century transitive verb 1. a. to exert control, direction, or influence on <

the passions that rule our minds

> b. to exercise control over especially by curbing or restraining <

rule a fractious horse

> <

ruled his appetites firmly

> 2. a. to exercise authority or power over often harshly or arbitrarily <

the speaker ruled the legislature with an iron hand

> b. to be preeminent in ; dominate 3. to determine and declare authoritatively; especially to command or determine judicially 4. a. (1) to mark with lines drawn along or as if along the straight edge of a ruler (2) to mark (a line) on a paper with a ruler b. to arrange in a line intransitive verb 1. a. to exercise supreme authority b. to be first in importance or prominence ; predominate <

the physical did not rule in her nature — Sherwood Anderson

> 2. to exist in a specified state or condition 3. to lay down a legal rule 4. slang to be extremely cool or popular — used as a generalized term of praise or approval <

for a little attitude at the right price, sneakers rule — Tish Hamilton

> Synonyms: see decide