Prescription

(pre-skrip's hun.) [From L. præscriptio, from præscribo, I write before.] (Law.) A right and title to a thing grounded upon a continued po e ion. P.is negative, when it relates to realty or corporeal hereditaments; positive, when to incorporeal hereditaments. It is personal when it is in aman and his ancestors; if it is in right of a particular estate, it is termedP. in que estate. P. supposes a grant, and therefore can exist with regard to those things only which can pa by grant. In almost all the States there are expre statute provisions regulating the doctrine of P. Generally, an uninterrupted po e ion of 20 years is required for the acquisition of real rights.-(Med.) The formula of a remedy for a disease, and the manner of using it, as given by a physician. [s. 730]