Lewis & Short

dēsignātĭo or dissignātio (the latter form better in sense II. Brambach s. v. Lex Jul. Munic. ap. Corp. Inscr. Lat. p. 206), ōnis, f. [designo].

  1. I. A marking out, describing, designating: cellarum, Vitr. 5, 5: undarum, id. 5, 3: quadrata, id. 3, 1, 3.
    Transf., a specification: personarum et temporum, Cic. de Or. 1, 31, 138; Lact. 4, 15, 5.
  2. II. A disposition, arrangement: totius operis, Cic. N. D. 1, 8 fin.: librorum meorum, id. Att. 4, 46.
    1. B. The selection, designation to a public office; of consuls: annua designatio, Tac. A. 2, 36 fin.: consulatus, Suet. Caes. 9.