Webster's English Dictionary

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prescription

pre.scrip.tion \pri-'skrip-sh*n\ n [partly fr. ME prescripcion 
   establishment of a claim, fr. MF prescript]ion, fr. LL praescription-, 
   praescriptio, fr. L, act of writing at the beginning, order, limitation of 
   subject matter, fr. praescriptus, pp. of praescribere; partly fr. L 
   praescription-, praescriptio order 1a: the establishment of a claim of 
   title to something under common law usu . by use and enjoyment for a period 
   fixed by statute 1b: the right or title acquired under common law by such 
   possession  2: the process of making claim to something by long use and 
   enjoyment  3: the action of laying down authoritative rules or directions  
   4a: a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent; specif  : 
   one for the preparation and use of a medicine 4b: a prescribed medicine  
   5a: ancient or long continued custom  5b: claim founded upon ancient custom 
   or long continued use  6: PRESCRIPT