noun
level and inked string; norm; standard
Originally a carpenter's tool (a string coated with ink used to mark straight lines), extended metaphorically to mean a rule, norm, or standard. Rare in modern Japanese; mostly encountered in classical or technical contexts.
準縄を当てて材木に直線を引く。
Draw a straight line on the lumber using a level and inked string.
彼の行動は社会の準縄に従っている。
His behavior conforms to the norms of society.