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rubric definition

ru·bric (ro̵̅o̅brik)

noun

  1. in early books and manuscripts, a chapter heading, initial letter, specific sentence, etc. printed or written in red, decorative lettering, etc.
  2. any heading, title, etc., as of a chapter or section
  3. a direction, as in a prayer book, for conducting religious services
  4. an explanatory comment, or gloss
  5. the title or a heading of a law
  6. an established custom or rule of procedure

Etymology: ME rubryke < MFr rubriche < L rubrica, red ocher, hence title (esp. of a law) written in red, rubric < ruber, red

adjective

  1. inscribed in red
  2. Archaic red or reddish

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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