a publication made in the name of the chief or leader of a party, whereby he promises a reward to any one who shall bring him the head of one of his enemies.

Sylla and Marius by turns proscribed each other's adherents.—Under the triumvirate a great part of the best and bravest of the Romans fell by proscription.

The term took its rise from the practice of writing down a list of the persons names, and posting it in public; from pro and scribo, "I write."