superscription

American  

[soo-per-skrip-shuhn] / ˌsu pərˈskrɪp ʃən /

noun

1. the act of superscribing.

2. something that is superscribed.

3. an address on a letter, parcel, or the like.

4. Pharmacology. the sign ℞, meaning “take,” at the beginning of a prescription.

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superscription British  

/ ˌsuːpəˈskrɪpʃən /

noun

1. the act of superscribing

2. a superscribed title, address, etc

3. the symbol ( ) at the head of a medical prescription, which stands for the Latin word recipe (take)

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Etymology

Origin of superscription

1350–1400; Middle English superscripcioun < Late Latin superscrīptiōn- (stem of superscrīptiō ) a writing above. See superscript, -ion

Example Sentences

"From the King!" exclaimed Sir John Grey--"from the King!--a letter to me!"--and he held the packet to the lamp, and gazed on the superscription attentively.

From Agincourt The Works of G. P. R. James, Volume XX by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)

The earlier tradition as to the superscription is obscure, but it would seem that it ought to be considered part of the relic which Constantine sent to Rome.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various

I cried; but he would not suffer me even to read the superscription.

From Charles Auchester, Volume 1 of 2 by Sheppard, Elizabeth

Lady Mary had no sooner glanced at the superscription than she sent her maid downstairs to bring the lackey immediately to her boudoir.

From Parson Kelly by Lang, Andrew

Writing his acceptance of his uncle's offer had not been pleasant, yet now that it was done he contemplated the superscription, "R. Harding, Esq.," with grave satisfaction.

From Mitchelhurst Place, Vol. I (of 2) A Novel by Veley, Margaret

Related Words

• advocacy
• affirmation
• approval
• backing
• commercial
• confirmation
• favor
• permission
• ratification
• recommendation
• signature