Sentence:  Thus the Aſſe having a peculiar mark of a croſſe made by a black liſt down his back, and another athwart, or at right angles down his ſhoulders; common opinion <WSD>aſcribes</WSD> this figure unto a peculiar ſignation; ſince that beaſt had the honour to bear our Saviour on his back. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To attribute a cause or characteristic to someone or something.