Pre‐scribe″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Prescribed (?); p. pr & vb. n.Prescribing.] [L. praescribere, praescriptum; prae before + scriebe to write. See Scribe.]
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.
Prescribe not us our duties. Shak.
Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run. Dryden.
2. (Med.) To direct, as a remedy to be used by a patient; as, the doctor prescribed quinine.
Syn. — To appoint; order; command; dictate; ordain; institute; establish.