- rule (n.)
- early 13c., "principle or maxim governing conduct," from Old French riule, from Vulgar Latin *regula, from Latin regula "straight stick, bar, ruler, pattern," related to regere "to rule, straighten, guide" (see regal). Replaced Old English wealdan. Meaning "regulation governing play of a game, etc." is from 1690s. Phrase rule of thumb first attested 1690s. Rule of law "supremacy of impartial and well-defined laws to any individual's power" is from 1883. Meaning "Strip used for making straight lines" is recorded from mid-14c. Typography sense is attested from 1680s.
- rule (v.)
- early 13c., "to control, guide, direct," from Old French riuler, from Latin regulare (see regulate). Legal sense is recorded from early 15c. "Rule Brittania," patriotic song, is from 1740. Related: Ruled; ruling.