Pre·sume v. 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? --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.
presumed
adj : presumed to be true in the absence of proof to the contrary;
"the presumed reason for his anger" [syn: presumed(a)]