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.
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.
Hear it pronounced