rule

Definition

noun
  1. a general order of conduct which says how things should be done
    Example The debate followed the rules of procedure used in the British House of Commons.
    Usage to work to rule
    to work strictly according to the rules agreed by the company and union, and therefore to work very slowly
  2. U.S.
    a special decision made by the Rules Committee which states how a particular bill should be treated in the House of Representatives
  3. the way in which a country is governed
    Example The country has had ten years of military rule.
    Usage the rule of law
    the principle of government that all persons and bodies and the government itself are equal before and answerable to the law and that no person shall be punished without trial
  4. a decision made by a court
    Usage Rule in X v. X
    the legal principle that emerged from case X v. X.
verb
  1. to give an official decision
    Examples We are waiting for the judge to rule on the admissibility of the defence evidence. • The commission of inquiry ruled that the company was in breach of contract.
  2. to govern a country
    Example The country is ruled by a group of army officers.
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