Sub*scrip"tion (?), n. [L. subscriptio: cf. F. souscription.]
1.
The act of subscribing.
2.
That which is subscribed.
Specifically: (a)
A paper to which a signature is attached.
(b)
The signature attached to a paper.
(c)
Consent or attestation by underwriting the name.
(d)
Sum subscribed; amount of sums subscribed; as, an individual subscription to a fund.
3. Eccl.
The acceptance of articles, or other tests tending to promote uniformity; esp. Ch. of Eng., formal assent to the Thirty-nine Articles and the Book of Common Prayer, required before ordination.
4.
Submission; obedience.
[Obs.]
You owe me no subscription.
Shak.
5. Pharm.
That part of a prescription which contains the direction to the apothecary.
<-- 6.
A method of purchasing items produced periodically in a series, as newspapers or magazines, in which a certain number of the items are delivered as produced, without need for ordering each item individually; also, the purchase thus executed.
The right to attend a series of public performances of ballet, opera, or music are also often sold by subscription. The payment for a subscription may be made prior to delivery of any items (common with magazines and performances), or after a certain number of the items have been delivered (common with newspapers or works of art produced in a series).
7. An application to purchase a certain number of securities to be delivered when they are newly issued. -->
© Webster 1913.