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) 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. Bell. (c) (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.
(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. De Quincey.