Category:Prescribe

Pre*scribe", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prescribed; p. pr & vb. n. Prescribing.] Etym: [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.)

Defn: 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.

Prescribe 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.)

Defn: to write or to give medical directions; to indicate remedies; As, to prescribe for a patient in a fever.

4. (law)

Defn: 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.