prescription

prescription

In property law, the effect of the lapse of time in creating and destroying rights. Acquisitive prescription allows an individual, after unequivocal possession for a specific period, to acquire an interest in real property, such as an easement, but not the property itself. See also adverse possession.

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prescription

1. 

a. written instructions from a physician, dentist, etc., to a pharmacist stating the form, dosage strength, etc., of a drug to be issued to a specific patient

b. the drug or remedy prescribed

2. (of drugs) available legally only with a doctor's prescription

3. 

a. written instructions from an optician specifying the lenses needed to correct defects of vision

b. (as modifier): prescription glasses

4. Law

a. the uninterrupted possession of property over a stated period of time, after which a right or title is acquired (positive prescription)

b. the barring of adverse claims to property, etc., after a specified period of time has elapsed, allowing the possessor to acquire title (negative prescription)

c. the right or title acquired in either of these ways