Definitions for: Rubric


[n] category name; "it is usually discussed under the rubric of `functional obesity'"
[n] a title or heading that is printed in red or in a special type
[n] a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with; "Title 8 provided federal help for schools"
[n] an authoritative rule of conduct or procedure
[n] directions for the conduct of Christian church services (often printed in red in a prayer book)
[n] an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text
[v] adorn with ruby red color



Webster (1913) Definition: Ru"bric, n. [OE. rubriche, OF. rubriche, F. rubrique (
cf. it. rubrica), fr. L. rubrica red earth for coloring, red
chalk, the title of a law (because written in red), fr. ruber
red. See red.]
That part of any work in the early manuscripts and typography
which was colored red, to distinguish it from other portions.
Hence, specifically:
(a) A titlepage, or part of it, especially that giving the
date and place of printing; also, the initial letters,
etc., when printed in red.
(b) (Law books) The title of a statute; -- so called as being
anciently written in red letters. --Bell.
(c) (Liturgies) The directions and rules for the conduct of
service, formerly written or printed in red; hence, also,
an ecclesiastical or episcopal injunction; -- usually in
the plural.

All the clergy in England solemnly pledge
themselves to observe the rubrics. --Hook.
(d) Hence, that which is established or settled, as by
authority; a thing definitely settled or fixed. --Cowper.

Nay, as a duty, it had no place or rubric in human
conceptions before Christianity. --De Quincey.


Ru"bric, v. t.
To adorn ith red; to redden; to rubricate. [R.] --Johnson.


Ru"bric, Rubrical Ru"bric*al, a.
1. Colored in, or marked with, red; placed in rubrics.

What though my name stood rubric on the walls Or
plaistered posts, with claps, in capitals? --Pope.

2. Of or pertaining to the rubric or rubrics. ``Rubrical
eccentricities.'' --C. Kingsley.

Synonyms: gloss, statute title

See Also: account, category, direction, explanation, head, header, heading, instruction, prescript, rubify, rule, title

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