Circumscribe, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Circumscribed; p. pr. & vb. n. Circumscribing.]
Etymology: [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.
1 more senses
Syn. -- To bound; limit; restrict; confine; abridge; restrain; environ; encircle; inclose; encompass.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for circumscribe; he lists it under restrain.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.