Webster's English Dictionary

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prescribe

pre.scribe \pri-'skri-b\ vb [L praescribere to write at the beginning, 
   dictate, order, fr. prae- [ME prescriben, fr. ML praescribere, fr. L, to 
   write at the beginni]X + scribere to write - more at SCRIBEng 1: to claim a 
   title to something by right of prescription  2: to lay down a rule : 
   DICTATE  3: to write or give medical prescriptions  4: to become by 
   prescription invalid or unenforceable  1a: to lay down as a guide, 
   direction, or rule of action : ORDAIN  1b: to specify with authority  2: to 
   designate or order the use of as a remedy  - pre.scrib.er n