1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Rule.

2. (a.) Predominant; chief; reigning; controlling; as, a ruling passion; a ruling sovereign.

3. (a.) Used in marking or engraving lines; as, a ruling machine or pen.

4. (n.) The act of one who rules; ruled lines.

5. (n.) A decision or rule of a judge or a court, especially an oral decision, as in excluding evidence.