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)
Lawbooks
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.