Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Prescribe?

\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.