De*scribe" (?), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Described (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Describing.] [L. describere,
descriptum; de- + scribere to write: cf. OE.
descriven, OF. descrivre, F. décrire. See
Scribe, and cf. Descry.] 1. To
represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or
mark out; as, to describe a circle by the compasses; a torch
waved about the head in such a way as to describe a
circle.
2. To represent by words written or spoken;
to give an account of; to make known to others by words or signs; as,
the geographer describes countries and cities.
3. To distribute into parts, groups, or
classes; to mark off; to class. [Obs.]
Passed through the land, and described it by
cities into seven parts in a book.
Josh. xviii.
9.
Syn. -- To set forth; represent; delineate; relate;
recount; narrate; express; explain; depict; portray; chracterize.
De*scribe", v. i. To use the
faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton
describes with uncommon force and beauty.
