rule (r l)n. 1. a. Governing power or its possession or use; authority. b. The duration of such power. 2. a. An authoritative, prescribed direction for conduct, especially one of the regulations governing procedure in a legislative body or a regulation observed by the players in a game, sport, or contest. b. The body of regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for governing the conduct of its members. 3. A usual, customary, or generalized course of action or behavior: "The rule of life in the defense bar ordinarily is to go along and get along" (Scott Turow). 4. A generalized statement that describes what is true in most or all cases: In this office, hard work is the rule, not the exception. 5. Mathematics A standard method or procedure for solving a class of problems. 6. Law a. A court order limited in application to a specific case. b. A subordinate regulation governing a particular matter. 7. See ruler. 8. Printing A thin metal strip of various widths and designs, used to print borders or lines, as between columns. v. ruled, rul·ing, rules v.tr. 1. To exercise control, dominion, or direction over; govern. 2. To dominate by powerful influence. 3. To decide or declare authoritatively or judicially; decree. See Synonyms at decide. 4. a. To mark with straight parallel lines. b. To mark (a straight line), as with a ruler. v.intr. Phrasal Verb: 1. To be in total control or command; exercise supreme authority. 2. To formulate and issue a decree or decision. 3. To prevail at a particular level or rate: Prices ruled low. 4. Slang To be excellent or superior: That new video game rules! rule out Idiom: 1. To prevent; preclude: The snowstorm ruled out their weekly meeting. 2. To remove from consideration; exclude: The option of starting over has been ruled out. as a rule In general; for the most part: As a rule, we take the bus. [Middle English reule, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *regula, from Latin r  gula, rod, principle; see reg- in Indo-European roots.]rul  a·ble adj. |
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