RUBRICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Rubrication refers to the process of adding red lettering or decoration to a manuscript or printed material, typically used for emphasis or organization. Derived from the Latin word "rubrica," meaning red ochre or red earth, rubrication was commonly employed in medieval and early modern times to highlight important sections, headings, or initial letters within religious or scholarly texts.
This artistic technique involves the use of red ink or paint, often applied by scribes or illuminators, to denote certain elements such as titles, chapter headings, significant words, or passages of religious significance. Rubrication serves not only as a visual aid, but also helps in structuring the content of a text, providing readers with visual cues to navigate through the document more easily.
The red ink used in rubrication is typically made from red ochre pigment mixed with a binder, such as egg white or gum arabic. The application of rubrication can vary in complexity, ranging from simple red ink lines to more elaborate and decorative flourishes, such as intricate initial letters or extensive marginalia.
In addition to its functional purpose, rubrication also holds symbolic and aesthetic significance. The vibrant red color was associated with urgency, importance, and divine power, conveying a sense of authority and reverence. As such, rubrication became a distinctive and characteristic element of medieval manuscripts, particularly those created for religious or scholarly purposes.
Overall, rubrication represents not only a visual enhancement but also a method of organizing and emphasizing textual content within manuscripts or printed materials, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material for readers.
Common Misspellings for RUBRICATION
- eubrication
- dubrication
- fubrication
- tubrication
- 5ubrication
- 4ubrication
- rybrication
- rhbrication
- rjbrication
- ribrication
- r8brication
- r7brication
- ruvrication
- runrication
- ruhrication
- rugrication
- rubeication
- rubdication
- rubfication
- rubtication
Etymology of RUBRICATION
The word "rubrication" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "rubricare", which means "to color with red ochre" or "to mark in red". The Latin term "rubricus" refers to the red color, specifically a reddish-brown color that comes from iron oxide. In medieval manuscripts, rubrication was a common practice, where important headings, titles, or initial letters were written or decorated with red ink to emphasize their significance. Over time, the term "rubrication" has expanded to encompass the broader meanings of marking, emphasizing, or highlighting in a general sense, rather than solely with red ink.
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