v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Prescribed p. pr & vb. n. Prescribing. ] [ L. praescribere, praescriptum; prae before + scriebe to write. See Scribe. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Prescribe not us our duties. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Med.) To direct, as a remedy to be used by a patient; as, the doctor prescribed quinine. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To appoint; order; command; dictate; ordain; institute; establish. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To give directions; to dictate. [ 1913 Webster ]

A forwardness to prescribe to their opinions. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To influence by long use [ Obs. ] Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Med.) To write or to give medical directions; to indicate remedies; as, to prescribe for a patient in a fever. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who prescribes. [ 1913 Webster ]