Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Prescribe \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.

Prescribe \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.

Source : WordNet®

prescribe
     v : issue commands or orders for [syn: {order}, {dictate}]