RUBRICS

Noun

rubrics

plural of rubric

Source: Wiktionary

RUBRIC

Ru"bric, n. Etym: [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.]

Definition: 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.

Definition: To adorn ith red; to redden; to rubricate. [R.] Johnson.

Ru"bric, 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 Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition