rubrics

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

All the clergy in England solemnly pledge themselves to observe the rubrics. Hook. [ 1913 Webster ]

(d) Hence, that which is established or settled, as by authority; a thing definitely settled or fixed. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nay, as a duty, it had no place or rubric in human conceptions before Christianity. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

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v. t. To adorn ith red; to redden; to rubricate. [ R. ] Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ , a. 1. Colored in, or marked with, red; placed in rubrics. [ 1913 Webster ]

What though my name stood rubric on the walls
Or plaistered posts, with claps, in capitals? Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of or pertaining to the rubric or rubrics. “Rubrical eccentricities.” C. Kingsley. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. rubricatus p. p. of rubricare to color red. See Rubric, n. ] Marked with red. Sp&unr_;lmman. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To mark or distinguished with red; to arrange as in a rubric; to establish in a settled and unchangeable form. Foxe. [ 1913 Webster ]

A system . . . according to which the thoughts of men were to be classed and rubricated forever after. Hare. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ , n. One skilled in, or tenaciously adhering to, the rubric or rubrics. [ 1913 Webster ]