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 [manuscript]s 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.

<-- category, class, [classification] under the rubric of, (See def. (b)) in the category of -->

© [Webster 1913].

Ru"bric, v. t.

To [adorn] ith red; to redden; to rubricate.

[R.]

Johnson.

© [Webster 1913].

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.

© [Webster 1913].

Rubric (definition)