Pre*sume" (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Presumed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Presuming.] [F. présumer, 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.