Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Circumscribe \Cir`cum*scribe"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   {Circumscribed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Circumscribing}.] [L.
   circumscribere, -scriptum; circum + scribere to write, draw.
   See {Soribe}.]
   1. to write or engrave around. [R.]

            Thereon is circumscribed this epitaph. --Ashmole.

   2. To inclose within a certain limit; to hem in; to surround;
      to bound; to confine; to restrain.

            To circumscribe royal power.          --Bancroft.

   3. (Geom.) To draw a line around so as to touch at certain
      points without cutting. See {Inscribe}, 5.

   Syn: To bound; limit; restrict; confine; abridge; restrain;
        environ; encircle; inclose; encompass.