\As*cribe"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ascribed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Ascribing}.] [L. ascribere, adscribere, to ascribe;
ad + scribere to write: cf. OF. ascrire. See {Scribe}.]
1. To attribute, impute, or refer, as to a cause; as, his
   death was ascribed to a poison; to ascribe an effect to
   the right cause; to ascribe such a book to such an author.
         The finest [speech] that is ascribed to Satan in the
         whole poem.                           --Addison.
2. To attribute, as a quality, or an appurtenance; to
   consider or allege to belong.
Syn: To {Ascribe}, {Attribute}, {Impute}.
Usage: Attribute denotes, 1. To refer some quality or
       attribute to a being; as, to attribute power to God.
       2. To refer something to its cause or source; as, to
       attribute a backward spring to icebergs off the coast.
       Ascribe is used equally in both these senses, but
       involves a different image. To impute usually denotes
       to ascribe something doubtful or wrong, and hence, in
       general literature, has commonly a bad sense; as, to
       impute unworthy motives. The theological sense of
       impute is not here taken into view.
             More than good-will to me attribute naught.
                                               --Spenser.
             Ascribes his gettings to his parts and merit.
                                               --Pope.
             And fairly quit him of the imputed blame.
                                               --Spenser.