rule

Where does the word "rule" come from? It comes from Latin regula, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Rule’s story begins in Latin: regula meant “a straight stick, a standard.” A straight stick, a standard, from regere (to guide, rule). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as reule. Carried into French for a principle governing conduct. It reached English by 1200s as rule. Settled as the English word for a principle governing conduct or action. Today, rule means a principle or regulation governing conduct, or to govern something.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient regula "a straight stick, a standard", a straight stick, a standard, from regere (to guide, rule).
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval reule "a principle governing conduct", carried into French for a principle governing conduct.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s rule "a principle governing conduct or action", settled as the English word for a principle governing conduct or action.