De*scribe" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Described (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Describing.] [L. describere, descriptum; de- + scribere to write: cf. OE. descriven, OF. descrivre, F. d'ecrire. See Scribe, and cf. Descry.]
1. To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out; as, to describe a circle by the compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle.
2. To represent by words written or spoken; to give an account of; to make known to others by words or signs; as, the geographer describes countries and cities.
3. To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class. [Obs.]
Passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book.
Josh. xviii. 9.
Syn. -- To set forth; represent; delineate; relate; recount; narrate; express; explain; depict; portray; chracterize.
© Webster 1913.
De*scribe", v. i. To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.
© Webster 1913. | 
