rule
• noun 1 a regulation or principle governing conduct or procedure within a particular sphere. 2 control or government: British rule. 3 a code of practice and discipline for a religious community. 4 (the rule) the normal or customary state of things. 5 a straight strip of rigid material used for measuring; a ruler. 6 a thin printed line or dash. • verb 1 exercise ultimate power over (a people or nation). 2 exert a powerful and restricting influence on. 3 pronounce authoritatively and legally to be the case. 4 make parallel lines on (paper). — PHRASES as a rule usually, but not always. rule of thumb a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on practice rather than theory. rule out/in exclude (or include) as a possibility. rule the roost be in complete control. run the rule over Brit. examine cursorily. — ORIGIN Old French reule, from Latin regula ‘straight stick’.
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