Cir`cum*scribe" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Circumscribed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Circumscribing.] [L. circumscribere, -scriptum; circum + scribere to write, draw. See Soribe.]
1.
to write or engare around.
[R.]
Thereon is circumscribed this epitaph.
Ashmole.
2.
To inclose within a certain limit; to hem in; to surround; to bound; to confine; to restrain.
To circumscribe royal power.
Bancroft.
3. Geom.
To draw a line around si as to touch at certain points without cutting. See Inscribe, 5.
Syn. -- To bound; limit; restrict; confine; abridge; restrain; environ; encircle; inclose; encompass.
© Webster 1913.