'Circumscribe' definitions:

Definition of 'circumscribe'

From: WordNet
verb
Draw a line around; "He drew a circle around the points"
verb
Restrict or confine, "I limit you to two visits to the pub a day" [syn: limit, circumscribe, confine]
verb
To draw a geometric figure around another figure so that the two are in contact but do not intersect

Definition of 'Circumscribe'

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