pol·i·cy 1. A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters rule (rl) n. 2. a. An authoritative, prescribed direction for conduct, especially one of the regulations governing procedure in a legislative body or a regulation observed by the players in a game, sport, or contest. law (lô) n. 1. A rule of conduct or procedure established by custom, agreement, or authority. 2. a. The body of rules and principles governing the affairs of a community and enforced by a political authority; a legal system: restriction [rɪˈstrɪkʃən] n 1. something that restricts; a restrictive measure, law, etc.