Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - prescribe

 verb  (~d; prescribing)  Etymology: Middle English, from Latin praescribere to write at the beginning, dictate, order, from prae- + scribere to write — more at scribe  Date: 15th century  intransitive verb  1. to lay down a rule ; dictate  2. Middle English, from Medieval Latin praescribere, from Latin, to write at the beginning to claim a title to something by right of prescription  3. to write or give medical prescriptions  4. to become by prescription invalid or unenforceable  transitive verb  1.  a. to lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action ; ordain  b. to specify with authority  2. to designate or order the use of as a remedy ~d a painkiller a ~d burn to restore natural forest conditions  • ~r noun