From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ruler \Rul"er\ (r[udd]l"[~e]r), n. 1. One who rules; one who exercises sway or authority; a governor. [1913 Webster]
And he made him ruler over all the land. --Gen. xli. 43. [1913 Webster]
A prince and ruler of the land. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. A straight or curved strip of wood, metal, etc., with a smooth edge, used for guiding a pen or pencil in drawing lines. Cf. Rule, n., 7 (a) . [1913 Webster]
Parallel ruler. See under Parallel. [1913 Webster]