[sub.scrip.tion] n [ME subscripcioun signature, fr. L subscription-, subscriptio, fr. subscribere] (15c) 1 a: the act of signing one's name (as in attesting or witnessing a document) b: the acceptance (as of ecclesiastical articles of faith) attested by the signing of one's name
2: something that is subscribed: as a: an autograph signature; also: a paper to which a signature is attached b: a sum subscribed or pledged
3: an arrangement for providing, receiving, or making use of something of a continuing or periodic nature on a prepayment plan: as a: a purchase by prepayment for a certain number of issues (as of a periodical) b: application to purchase securities of a new issue c: a method of offering or presenting a series of public performances d Brit: membership dues