■ noun
1》 an instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment.
2》 the action of prescribing.
3》 an authoritative recommendation or ruling.
4》 (also positive ~ ) Law the establishment of a claim founded on the basis of long usage or custom.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. praescriptio(n-) , from praescribere (see prescribe ).