from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Prescribe \Pre*scribe"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Prescribed}; p. pr
& vb. n. {Prescribing}.] [L. praescribere, praescriptum; prae
before + scriebe to write. See {Scribe}.]
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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.
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Prescribe not us our duties. --Shak.
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Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run.
--Dryden.
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2. (Med.) To direct, as a remedy to be used by a patient; as,
the doctor prescribed quinine.
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Syn: To appoint; order; command; dictate; ordain; institute;
establish.
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