Reinstalling OS from external DVD drive

How do I reinstall the OS from a DVD in an external DVD drive connected to the USB port on my MacBook?
Thank you.

I don't think you can, only via the external optical drive.
You can try a USB though, or install on a external drive, then option boot from it then clone it to the external drive.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/16276201#16276201

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