TO RUN THE RULE OVER, verb. phr. (thieves’).—See quot.; TO FRISK (q.v.).
1879. J. W. HORSLEY, ‘Autobiography of a Thief,’ in Macmillan’s Magazine, XL., 504. I am going to RUN THE RULE OVER (search) you.
1886. Daily News, 30 Sept., iii. 2. When paraded each man has THE RULE RUN OVER HIM, i.e., searched.
1886–96. MARSHALL, He Slumbered [‘Pomes,’ 118]. A lady … RAN THE RULE through all His pockets for her cheek was fairly tall.
