An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To give or allocate; allot.
   

2. To give out or announce as a task.
   

3. To designate; name; specify (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E. assignen, from O.Fr. assiginer “assign; appoint legally; allot,” from L. assignare “to mark out, to allot by sign,” from → ad- “to” + signare “to make a sign,” from signum “mark,” → sign

Etymology (PE): Nešârdan, from neš, → sign, + nuance suffix -âr.