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.

Sulla and Marius by turns proscribed each other's adherents.—Under the triumvirate 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."