rule

noun

1. a : a prescribed guide for conduct or action

   b : a resolution of a legislative rules committee setting forth the terms for consideration of a particular bill by the entire body

2. a : an order or directive issued by a court in a particular proceeding especially upon petition of a party to the proceeding that commands an officer or party to perform an act or show cause why an act should not be performed a rule directing the district court to show cause why its ruling should not be vacated —People v. District Court, 797 P.2d 1259 (1990)

   b : a usually judicially promulgated regulation having the force of law that governs judicial practice or procedure rules of evidence rules of appellate procedure — see also rule of court

   c : rule of law 1

3. : all or part of a statement (as a regulation) by an administrative agency that has general or particular applicability and future effect and that is designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or that describes the organization, procedure, or practice of the agency itself a rule subject to statutory notice and comment requirements for informal rulemaking

4. a : a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or conduct in a body, organization, institution, or proceeding

   b : a resolution of a legislative rules committee setting forth the terms for consideration of a particular bill by the entire body

5. : the exercise of authority or control majority rule — see also home rule, rule of law 2

verb

1. : to exercise supreme authority

   : to exercise supreme authority

2. : to lay down a rule or ruling ruled in favor of the plaintiff

   : to lay down a rule or ruling ruled in favor of the plaintiff