The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Prescind \Pre*scind"\ (pr[-e]*s[i^]nd"), v. t. [L. praescindere
   to cut off in front; prae before + scindere to cut asunder:
   cf. F. prescinder.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. To cut off; to abstract. [Obs.] --Norris.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Metaph.) To consider by a separate act of attention or
      analysis. --Sir W. Hamilton.
      [1913 Webster]