Part 447

As a rule, as a general thing; in the main; usually; as, he behaves well, as a rule. -- Board rule, Caliber rule, etc. See under Board, Caliber, etc. -- Rule joint, a knuckle joint having shoulders that abut when the connected pieces come in line with each other, and thus permit folding in one direction only. -- Rule of three (Arith.), that rule which directs, when three terms are given, how to find a fourth, which shall have the same ratio to the third term as the second has to the first; proportion. See Proportion, 5 (b). -- Rule of thumb, any rude process or operation, like that of using the thumb as a rule in measuring; hence, judgment and practical experience as distinguished from scientific knowledge.

Syn. -- regulation; law; precept; maxim; guide; canon; order; method; direction; control; government; sway; empire.

Rule, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ruled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ruling.] [Cf. OF. riuler, ruiler, L. regulare. See Rule, n., and cf. Regulate.] 1. To control the will and actions of; to exercise authority or dominion over; to govern; to manage. Chaucer.

A bishop then must be blameless; . . . one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection.

1 Tim. iii. 2, 4.

2. To control or direct by influence, counsel, or persuasion; to guide; -- used chiefly in the passive.

I think she will be ruled In all respects by me.

Shak.

3. To establish or settle by, or as by, a rule; to fix by universal or general consent, or by common practice.

That's are ruled case with the schoolmen.

Atterbury.

4. (Law) To require or command by rule; to give as a direction or order of court.

5. To mark with lines made with a pen, pencil, etc., guided by a rule or ruler; to print or mark with lines by means of a rule or other contrivance effecting a similar result; as, to rule a sheet of paper of a blank book.

Ruled surface (Geom.), any surface that may be described by a straight line moving according to a given law; -- called also a scroll.

Rule, v. i. 1. To have power or command; to exercise supreme authority; -- often followed by over.

By me princes rule, and nobles.

Prov. viii. 16.

We subdue and rule over all other creatures.

Ray.

2. (Law) To lay down and settle a rule or order of court; to decide an incidental point; to enter a rule. Burril. Bouvier.

3. (Com.) To keep within a (certain) range for a time; to be in general, or as a rule; as, prices ruled lower yesterday than the day before.

Rule"less, a. Destitute of rule; lawless. Spenser.

Rule"-mon`ger (?), n. A stickler for rules; a slave of rules [R.] Hare.

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Rul"er (rl"r), n. 1. One who rules; one who exercises sway or authority; a governor.

And he made him ruler over all the land.

Gen. xli. 43.

A prince and ruler of the land.