[pre.scrip.tion] n [partly fr. ME prescripcion establishment of a claim, fr. MF prescription, fr. LL praescription-, praescriptio, fr. L, act of writing at the beginning, order, limitation of subject matter, fr. praescribere; partly fr. L praescription-, praescriptio order] (14c) 1 a: the establishment of a claim of title to something under common law usu. by use and enjoyment for a period fixed by statute b: the right or title acquired under common law by such possession
2: the process of making claim to something by long use and enjoyment
3: the action of laying down authoritative rules or directions
4. a: a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent; specif: one for the preparation and use of a medicine b: a prescribed medicine c: something like a doctor's prescription "~s for economic recovery"
5. a: ancient or long continued custom b: a claim founded upon ancient custom or long continued use
6: something prescribed as a rule