presuming

1 definition found

presuming - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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.
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              Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner? --Shak.
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              Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve.
                                                    --Milton.
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     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.
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              Every man is to be presumed innocent till he is
              proved to be guilty.                  --Blackstone.
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              What rests but that the mortal sentence pass, . . .
              Which he presumes already vain and void,
              Because not yet inflicted?            --Milton.
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