Rubric
Rubric , noun
[Old English rubriche, Old French rubriche, French rubrique ( compare it. rubrica), from Latin rubrica red earth for coloring, red chalk, the title of a law (because written in red), from ruber red. See red.]
(Law books) That part of any work in the early manuscripts and typography which was colored red, to distinguish it from other portions.
(a)
(Law books) 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)
(Law books) The title of a statute; -- so called as being anciently written in red letters.
(c)
(Law books) 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. — Bell
All the clergy in England solemnly pledge themselves to observe the rubrics.
(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.
Rubric , transitive verb
To adorn ith red; to redden; to rubricate. [Rare] — Johnson
Rubric , adjective
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?
2.
Of or pertaining to the rubric or rubrics.
Rubrical eccentricities.
Also: Rubrical