term:

Prescribe

prescribe vb

pre·scribed
pre·scrib·ing
vi
1 : to claim title or a right to something (as an easement) by prescription [a precarious possessor cannot against the owner]
2 in the civil law of Louisiana
: to become unenforceable or invalid by prescription [any party having an interest in a money judgment may have it revived before it s "Louisiana Civil Code"]
vt
1 : to lay down as a rule or guide
: specify with authority [the times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature thereof "U.S. Constitution art. I"]
2 in the civil law of Louisiana
: to invalidate or bar the enforcement of by prescription [this claim for damages shall not be prescribed so long as the minor's right of action exists against his tutor "Louisiana Civil Code"]

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.