— prescribable , adj. — prescriber , n.
/pri skruyb"/ , v. , prescribed, prescribing .
v.t.
1. to lay down, in writing or otherwise, as a rule or a course of action to be followed; appoint, ordain, or enjoin.
2. Med. to designate or order the use of (a medicine, remedy, treatment, etc.).
v.i.
3. to lay down rules; direct; dictate.
4. Med. to designate remedies, treatment, etc., to be used.
5. Law. to claim a right or title by virtue of long use and enjoyment; make a prescriptive claim. (usually fol. by for or to ).
[ 1425-75; late ME praescribere to direct in writing, lit., to write before or above, equiv. to prae- PRE- + scribere to write; see SCRIBE 1 , PRESCRIPTION ]
Syn. 1. direct, dictate, decree.