Cir`cum*scrip"tion (?), n. [L. circumscriptio. See Circumscribe.]
1.
An inscription written around anything.
[R.]
Ashmole.
2.
The exterior line which determines the form or magnitude of a body; outline; periphery.
Ray.
3.
The act of limiting, or the state of being limited, by conditions or restraints; bound; confinement; limit.
The circumscriptions of terrestrial nature.
Johnson.
I would not my unhoused, free condition
Put into circumscription and confine.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.