(Latin: rubrica, red earth used by carpenters as chalk to mark wood; red titles of law announcements)
Directive precepts or liturgical prescriptions found in the Missal and the Ritual to guide the priest in the execution of sacred rites, saying Mass, administering the Sacraments, etc.; so called because they are printed in red. Some are obligatory and bind under pain of sin; others are merely directive and do not bind.