The Collaborative International Dictionary
Rubric \Ru"bric\, n. [OE. rubriche, OF. rubriche, F. rubrique ( cf. it. rubrica), fr. L. rubrica red earth for coloring, red chalk, the title of a law (because written in red), fr. ruber red. See red.] That part of any work in the early manuscripts and typography which was colored red, to distinguish it from other portions. Hence, specifically:
A titlepage, or part of it, especially that giving the date and place of printing; also, the initial letters, etc., when printed in red.
(Law books) The title of a statute; -- so called as being anciently written in red letters.
--Bell.-
(Liturgies) 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.
All the clergy in England solemnly pledge themselves to observe the rubrics.
--Hook. -
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.
--De Quincey.under the rubric of (See def. (b)) in the category of