2. (Carp.) To cut (anything) in such a way as to fit closely
to a somewhat irregular surface, as a baseboard to a floor
which is out of level, a board to the curves of a molding,
or the like; -- so called because the workman marks, or
scribe, with the compasses the line that he afterwards
cuts.
3. To score or mark with compasses or a scribing iron.
{Scribing iron}, an iron-pointed instrument for scribing, or
marking, casks and logs.