foot rule

noun

1. a ruler one foot (30.48 centimeters) in length.

foot rule

noun

1. a rigid measure, one foot in length

Word History and Origins

Origin of foot rule¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

The under 8 foot rule: If your deck surface is less than 8 feet off the ground, you usually qualify for an expedited permit called Subject to Field Inspection.

From Seattle Times

“At the probation camps, it is our understanding that youth are still housed in crowded dormitory settings and that the ‘six foot rule’ is neither explained nor enforced.”

From Los Angeles Times

Yet Trump has not reinstated the wet foot, dry foot rule and, further, has ramped up removals of would-be Cuban immigrants.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of the Cubans stuck in limbo here at the Texas border arrived on Jan. 12, the same day the Obama administration eliminated the so-called wet foot, dry foot rule.

From New York Times

"There will be occasions were the 20 foot rule would be unconstitutional, but I'm not sure that would make the statute unconstitutional on its face," he says.

From US News