rule

Definitions


[ruːl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- one of a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct or procedure within a particular area of activity
(e.g: the rules of cricket)

- control of or dominion over an area or people
(e.g: the revolution brought an end to British rule)

- the normal or customary state of things
(e.g: such accidents are the exception rather than the rule)

- a strip of wood or other rigid material used for measuring length or marking straight lines; a ruler



Phrases:
- as a rule
- by rule
- make it a rule to do something
- rule of law
- rule of thumb
- rule the roost
- run the rule over
- the rules of the game

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French reule (noun), reuler (verb), from late Latin regulare, from Latin regula ‘straight stick’


[ruːl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- exercise ultimate power or authority over (an area and its people)
(e.g: the region today is ruled by elected politicians)

- pronounce authoritatively and legally to be the case
(e.g: an industrial tribunal ruled that he was unfairly dismissed from his job)

- make parallel lines across (paper)
(e.g: rule the pages horizontally and print the information within the rules.)

- (of a price or a traded commodity with regard to its price) have a specified general level or strength
(e.g: in the jutes section Indus and Pak Jute ruled firm)


Phrases:
- as a rule
- by rule
- make it a rule to do something
- rule of law
- rule of thumb
- rule the roost
- run the rule over
- the rules of the game

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French reule (noun), reuler (verb), from late Latin regulare, from Latin regula ‘straight stick’




definition by Oxford Dictionaries