Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Presume
Pre-sume′
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Presumed
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Presuming
.] 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? Shakespeare
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
Because not yet inflicted?
Which he
presumes
already vain and void,Because not yet inflicted?
Milton.
Pre-sume′
,Verb.
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 far2.
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. Shakespeare
This man
presumes
upon his parts. Locke.
Webster 1828 Edition
Presume
PRESU'ME
,Verb.
T.
We not only presume it may be so, but we actually find it so.
In cases of implied contracts, the law presumes that a man has covenanted or contracted to do what reason and justice dictate.
PRESU'ME
,Verb.
I.
1.
To form confident or arrogant opinions; with on or upon, before the cause of confidence. This man presumes upon his parts.
I will not presume so far upon myself.
2.
To make confident or arrogant attempts. In that we presume to see what is meet and convenient, better than God himself.
3.
It has on or upon sometimes before the thing supposed. Luther presumes upon the gift of continency.
It is sometimes followed by of, but improperly.