circumscribe Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb draw a line around
    • He drew a circle around the points
  2. verb restrict or confine, "I limit you to two visits to the pub a day"
    confine; limit.
  3. verb to draw a geometric figure around another figure so that the two are in contact but do not intersect

WordNet

Cir`cum*scribe" transitive verb
Etymology
L. circumscribere, -scriptum; circum + scribere to write, draw. See Soribe.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Circumscribed ; present participle & verbal noun Circumscribing
Definitions
  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