from
The 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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