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)]