Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Presume?

\Pre*sume"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Presumed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Presuming}.] [F. pr['e]sumer, L. praesumere, praesumptum; prae before + sumere to take. See {Assume}, {Redeem}.] 1. To assume or take beforehand; esp., to do or undertake without leave or authority previously obtained. Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner? --Shak. Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve. --Milton. 2. To take or suppose to be true, or entitled to belief, without examination or proof, or on the strength of probability; to take for granted; to infer; to suppose. Every man is to be presumed innocent till he is proved to be guilty. --Blackstone. What rests but that the mortal sentence pass, . . . Which he presumes already vain and void, Because not yet inflicted? --Milton.
\Pre*sume"\, v. i. 1. To suppose or assume something to be, or to be true, on grounds deemed valid, though not amounting to proof; to believe by anticipation; to infer; as, we may presume too far. 2. To venture, go, or act, by an assumption of leave or authority not granted; to go beyond what is warranted by the circumstances of the case; to venture beyond license; to take liberties; -- often with on or upon before the ground of confidence. Do not presume too much upon my love. --Shak. This man presumes upon his parts. --Locke.