superscription

[ soo-per-skrip-shuhn ]

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.

superscription

/ 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of superscription¹

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 Project Gutenberg

The letter, which was without superscription, fell into the hands of the Electress, who, believing it intended for herself, received it with delight.

From Project Gutenberg

My servant, who has lived with me fourteen years, may, for aught I know, have been bribed to abstract these letters on their arrival; they would be easily recognized by the very superscription.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

"James" is also a homily exhorting to patient endurance, but there is nothing to suggest its having ever been sent anywhere as a letter, save the brief superscription written in imitation of 1st Pet. i.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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