Rubens Brown. A rich brown pigment.
Rubiate. A name for Liquid Madder Lake (q.v.).
Rubicelle. An orange-coloured stone, a variety of the spinel ruby.
Rubrica, R. Red ochre; and thence rubric, an edict or ordinance of the Civil Law written in red ochre, while the ordinances and rules of the prætors were written in black on a white ground on the Album (q.v.).
Ruby, in Christian art. (See Red.)
Ruby or Red Sapphire. A corundum, the most valuable of all gems; when perfect and large, exceeding even the diamond in value. The colour varies from the lightest rose tint to the deepest carmine. The most valuable tint is called “pigeon’s blood,” a pure deep rich red, without any admixture of blue or yellow. Brahmin traditions speak of the abode of the gods lighted by enormous rubies; and one name of the Kings of Pegu was “Lord of Rubies.” In mediæval times the ruby was regarded as an amulet against poison, plague, sadness, evil thoughts, wicked spirits, &c. It also kept the wearer in health, and cheered his mind, and blackened when he incurred danger. (Consult Emanuel, Diamonds and Precious Stones, &c.)
Rudder. On ancient coins, &c., with the orb and fasces, emblem of the supreme power.
Rudens, R. The smaller ropes in a ship.
Rudiarii. Veteran gladiators discharged from the service by the presentation of a wooden sword (rudis).
Rudis, R. (1) A spoon or similar instrument. (2) A wooden sword. (See Rudiarii.) When a gladiator received his discharge, a rudis was given him, together with a freedman’s cap, by way of declaration that he had been granted his liberty, a fact expressed by the phrase rude donari.