rule
 rule (ro͞ol)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, rulesv. 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.
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!Phrasal Verb:rule out
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.Idiom: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 rēgula, rod, principle. See reg- in Indo-European Roots.] rulʹa·ble adj.
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