rubric Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an authoritative rule of conduct or procedure
  2. noun an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text
    gloss.
  3. noun directions for the conduct of Christian church services (often printed in red in a prayer book)
  4. noun a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
    statute title; title.
    • Title 8 provided federal help for schools
  5. noun a title or heading that is printed in red or in a special type
  6. noun category name
    • it is usually discussed under the rubric of `functional obesity'
  7. verb adorn with ruby red color

WordNet

Ru"bric noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  1. 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 transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To adorn ith red; to redden; to rubricate. R. Johnson.
Ru"bric, Ru"bric*al adjective (Also<
  • Rubric
  • Rubrical
)
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913