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.
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.
