\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.

\Pre*scribe"\, v. i.
1. To give directions; to dictate.
         A forwardness to prescribe to their opinions.
                                               --Locke.
2. To influence by long use [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.
3. (Med.) To write or to give medical directions; to indicate
   remedies; as, to prescribe for a patient in a fever.
4. (Law) To claim by prescription; to claim a title to a
   thing on the ground of immemorial use and enjoyment, that
   is, by a custom having the force of law.