Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Rubric?

\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.