Pre*scribe" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prescribed (?); p. pr & vb. n. Prescribing.] [L. praescribere, praescriptum; prae before + scriebe to write. See Scribe.]
1. To lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action; to impose as a peremptory order; to dictate; to appoint; to direct.
Prescribe not us our duties.
Shak.
Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run.
Dryden.
2. Med. To direct, as a remedy to be used by a patient; as, the doctor prescribed quinine.
Syn. -- To appoint; order; command; dictate; ordain; institute; establish.
© Webster 1913.
Pre*scribe", v. i. 1. To give directions; to dictate.
A forwardness to prescribe to their opinions.
Locke.
2. To influence by long use [Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.
3. Med. To write or to give medical directions; to indicate remedies; as, to prescribe for a patient in a fever.
4. Law To claim by prescription; to claim a title to a thing on the ground of immemorial use and enjoyment, that is, by a custom having the force of law.
© Webster 1913. | 
