ruling has definitions from the field of law
1
[ noun ] (law) the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself)

Synonyms

opinion

Used in print

(The New York Times,...)

`` I 'll do as you say , but I 'll also play a provisional ball and get a ruling '' .

2
[ adjective ] exercising power or authority

Synonyms

reigning regnant

Used in print

(Max F. Millikan and Donald L. M. Blackmer,...)

Nevertheless , impulses still exist among the ruling elite to rationalize and thus to perpetuate the need for centralized and authoritarian practices .

Related terms

powerful

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