Prescribe — Defs

01 v. t. To lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action; to impose as a peremptory order; to dictate; to appoint; to direct.

imp. & p. p. Prescribed; p. pr & vb. n. Prescribing

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

Syn. To appoint; order; command; dictate; ordain; institute; establish.

02 v. i. To give directions; to dictate.

1.
To give directions; to dictate.
“A forwardness to prescribe to their opinions.” — Locke.
2.
To influence by long use[Obs.]
3.
To write or to give medical directions; to indicate remedies; as, to prescribe for a patient in a fever.(Med.)
4.
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.(Law)