Lesbian rule

English

A modern version of a Lesbian rule.

Etymology

The rules were originally made from pliable lead found on Lesbos.

Noun

Lesbian rule (plural Lesbian rules)

1. (rare) A flexible leaden mason's rule that can be bent around the curves of a molding, and thus used to measure or reproduce irregular curves.
   • 1957, AIA Journal, American Institute of Architects:

     Or, with a Lesbian rule—that strip of soft lead which could be pressed into a particularly satisfying molding to record its profile—we explored buildings that interested us.

   • 1994, The Journal of the Legal Profession:

     Instead , the good architect would use a "Lesbian" rule, which "adapts itself to the shape of the stone and is not rigid."

2. (by extension) A flexible principle, one which may be bent to accommodate or fit different circumstances.
   • 1850, The Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Review, page 36:

     He asks: “Is Scripture become a Lesbian rule and bowed to our fancies? But this is the very answer that a classical brother gave me […]

   • 1853, Jacobus Arminius, The Works of James Arminius, page 152:

     […] that it may exercise authority as a rule for the direction of life, and for prescribing some limits to liberty, and not that it may be slavishly subservient to the wills of men, like a Lesbian rule, which may be accommodated to every condition; since these are some of the properties of religion, man is not permitted to stipulate concerning it, […]

   • 1861, The Law Magazine and Review: A Quarterly Review of Jurisprudence, page 19:

     […] and cemented by a thousand links of union, the law of marriage should be a Lesbian rule, which shifts according to the circumstances of place; and that acts which in England would be absolutely null may be binding marriages in Scotland […]

   • 1869, Dorus Clarke, The Oneness of the Christian Church, page 32:

     Lesbian rules — rules which accommodate themselves to the wishes of men, and bend to all the demands of denominational prejudice — have been quite too long employed to elucidate, or rather to misinterpret, the Scriptures.

   • 1891, Albert Edward Waffle, The Interpreter with His Bible, page 41:

     […] have Lesbian rules of interpretation - rules which he can bend to his wishes and so apply as to make the Scriptures yield the meaning he desires. But these rules are not of that kind. They are meant to be just and impartial.

   • 1991, Jens Andersen Sinning, Oratio de Studiis, Museum Tusculanum Press, →ISBN, page 90:

     This is certainly using a Lesbian rule, to adapt Christ in such a way as to bring Him into accord with Aristotle, rather than Aristotle with Christ.