Cir'cum-scribe', v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. CIRCUM-SCRIBED; p. pr. & vb. n. CIRCUMSCRIBING.] [Lat. circumscribere, from circum, around, and scribere, to write, to draw.]

Sense 1. To write, draw, or engrave around. [Rare.] “Thereon is circumscribed this epitaph.” Ashmole.

Sense 2. To inclose within a certain limit; to hem in; to surround; to bound; to confine. “To circumscribe royal power.” Bancroft.

Synonyms—To bound; limit; restrict; confine; abridge; restrain.