An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To draw a line around; encircle.

Etymology (EN): L. circumscribere “to draw a line around, confine,” from → circum- + scribere “write,” from PIE *skreibh-, from *sker- “to cut, incise.”

Etymology (PE): Pirâkašidan, from pirâ-, → circum- + vešidan “to write,” → inscribe.