Middle English Dictionary Entry
prēscrīben v.
Entry Info
| Forms | prēscrīben v. |
| Etymology | L praescrībere |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Law To order, make a ruling; set (sth.) down in law, prescribe; (b) to sign one's name before or above that of (someone else).
Associated quotations
a
- (1445) in Webb Rec.St.Barth1.500 : Wherfore please hit youre said gode lordship the premisses considere, if to grante a writte of subpena to be directe to the said Jhn. Bell to apere afore youe atte a certeyn day, to be examyned thereupon the premisses, and doo and prescribe in that particular.
- (1455) RParl.5.337a : By the olde liberte and fredom of the Comyns of this Lande had, enjoyed, and prescribed, fro the tyme that no mynde is, alle suche persones as for the tyme been assembled in eny Parlement for the same Comyn', ought to have theire fredom to speke and sey in the Hous of their assemble, as to theym is thought convenyent or resonable, withoute eny maner chalange, charge, or punycion.
b
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)126.64 (v.2:p.324) : Yf ye wylle that I wryte, brennyth this instrumen[t] and ordayneth anothyr in wyche I may prescribe my sone and my dysciple.