Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Circumscription \Cir`cum*scrip"tion\, n. [L. circumscriptio. See
   {Circumscribe}.]
   1. An inscription written around anything. [R.] --Ashmole.

   2. The exterior line which determines the form or magnitude
      of a body; outline; periphery. --Ray.

   3. The act of limiting, or the state of being limited, by
      conditions or restraints; bound; confinement; limit.

            The circumscriptions of terrestrial nature.
                                                  --Johnson.

            I would not my unhoused, free condition Put into
            circumscription and confine.          --Shak.

Source : WordNet®

circumscription
     n : the act of circumscribing