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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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Rubric \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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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