circumscribe

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Circumscribed p. pr. & vb. n. Circumscribing. ] [ L. circumscribere, -scriptum; circum + scribere to write, draw. See Soribe. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. to write or engrave around. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Thereon is circumscribed this epitaph. Ashmole. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To inclose within a certain limit; to hem in; to surround; to bound; to confine; to restrain. [ 1913 Webster ]

To circumscribe royal power. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Geom.) To draw a line around so as to touch at certain points without cutting. See Inscribe, 5.

Syn. -- To bound; limit; restrict; confine; abridge; restrain; environ; encircle; inclose; encompass. [ 1913 Webster ]