As*sume" (&?;), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Assumed (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n.
Assuming.] [L. assumere; ad + sumere to take;
sub + emere to take, buy: cf. F. assumer. See
Redeem.] 1. To take to or upon one's self; to
take formally and demonstratively; sometimes, to appropriate or take
unjustly.
Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the
throne.
Pope.
The god assumed his native form again.
Pope.
2. To take for granted, or without proof; to
suppose as a fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively.
The consequences of assumed principles.
Whewell.
3. To pretend to possess; to take in
appearance.
Ambition assuming the mask of religion.
Porteus.
Assume a virtue, if you have it not.
Shak.
4. To receive or adopt.
The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and lower
rank, assumed into that honorable company.
Sir W. Scott.
Syn. -- To arrogate; usurp; appropriate.
As*sume", v. i. 1. To be
arrogant or pretentious; to claim more than is due. Bp.
Burnet.
2. (Law) To undertake, as by a
promise. Burrill.
