Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

rop.

Noun.

(Anc. geog.)

A small river which separated Italy from Cisalpine Gaul, the province alloted to

Julius Caesar

☞ By leading an army across this river, contrary to the prohibition of the civil government at Rome,

Caesar

precipitated the civil war which resulted in the death of P

ompey

and the overthrow of the senate; hence, the phrase

to pass the Rubicon

cross the Rubicon

signifies to take the decisive step by which one is committed to a hazardous enterprise from which there is no retreat.