presumev.

Brit.

/prᵻˈzjuːm/, U.S.

/priˈz(j)um/,

/prəˈz(j)um/

Forms: Middle English presewme, Middle English presome, Middle English presum, Middle English presun (transmission error), Middle English presvme, Middle English–1500s preswme, Middle English– presume, 1500s–1600s praesume; Scottish pre-1700 persome, pre-1700 persoum, pre-1700 perswme, pre-1700 praesume, pre-1700 presewm, pre-1700 presoime, pre-1700 presome, pre-1700 presoome, pre-1700 presoyme, pre-1700 pressume, pre-1700 presum, pre-1700 presumme, pre-1700 presumpt (past tense), pre-1700 preswime, pre-1700 preswme, pre-1700 1700s– presume.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French presumer; Latin praesūmere.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French presumer (French présumer ) to assume, to take for granted (c1200 in Old French), to take possession of (a thing) without right, to take the liberty to do (something) (both c1400 or earlier in Anglo-Norman), to pretend (second half of the 15th cent. or earlier), to have too positive an opinion of (a person or thing) (second half of the 15th cent. or earlier), to rely too much on (a person) (second half of the 15th cent. or earlier) and its etymon classical Latin praesūmere to consume beforehand, to take upon oneself beforehand, to anticipate, to take for granted, presuppose, assume, in post-classical Latin also to be arrogant (early 3rd cent. in Tertullian), to rely on, expect (4th cent.), to take the liberty, to dare (early 5th cent.), to claim (8th cent.) < prae- pre- prefix + sūmere to take (see sumpsimus n.).Compare Old Occitan, Occitan presumir (beginning of the 13th cent.), Catalan presumir (13th cent.), Spanish presumir (end of the 13th cent.), Portuguese presumir (13th cent.), Italian presumere (a1276). In the Older Scots past tense form presumpt probably influenced by classical Latin praesumpt- , past participial stem of praesūmere . With to presume upon oneself at sense 1c compare Anglo-Norman presumer sur sei, Middle French presumer sur soi (second half of the 15th cent. or earlier).

1. To take upon oneself; to undertake without adequate authority or permission.

a. transitive. With simple object: to venture on, lay presumptuous claim to. Now rare.

ΚΠ

a1382 Prefatory Epist. St. Jerome in Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1959) vi. 17 Þis craft of scripturez..alle presumen [a1425 L.V. presumen to knowe this; L. præsumunt], to-teren, techen, or þey lernen.

a1425 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1869) I. 76 Þei ben contrarie to alle þes newe ordris þat ben presumed aȝens Crist.

?c1450 in G. J. Aungier Hist. & Antiq. Syon Monastery (1840) 386 (MED) If any haue desire to lygh in her cowle, none schal presume thys withe oute special licence of the abbes.

1490 Arte & Crafte to knowe well to Dye (Caxton) 7 Late none presume nothynge of hym selfe.

1541 Act 33 Hen. VIII c. 6 Evill disposed persons,..presumynge wilfullye and obstynatlye the violacion and breach of the saide Acte.

1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 39 That sic ane knaif sa hie thing to presume As to defoull the..Emprice.

1669 Ld. Chaworth in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 13 I had not præsumed so much but that I have heard my Lorde off Rutland say [etc.].

1780 S. Johnson Let. 10 July (1992) III. 285 Hopes of excellence which I once presumed, and never have attained.

1785 W. Cowper Task iii. 459 One..whose powers, Presuming an attempt not less sublime, Pant [etc.].

1805 G. Colman Who wants Guinea? iii. i. 38 Sir Larry Is he come with yourself? Fanny He would not presume so much, Sir, without your permission.

1843 C. F. Briggs Bankrupt Stories iv. vi. 341 ‘If it is not presuming too much,’ said Mr. Jacobs, ‘may I take the liberty to enquire what you are box'd for?’

1870 W. J. Courthope Paradise of Birds 112 You're presuming too much.

1901 Times 9 Aug. 12/6 I trust..that I may not be presuming too much if I venture to tender my hearty good wishes for the speedy accomplishment of the raising of the level of one of the Nile lakes.

1981 P. P. Read Villa Golitsyn ii. iii. 105 He looked surprised—almost annoyed—as if a servant had presumed too great a familiarity.

b. transitive. With infinitive as object: to be so presumptuous as; to take the liberty; to dare or venture.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > without authority

presumec1390

pretend1711

the mind > mental capacity > belief > supposition, surmise > taking for granted, presumption > assume, presuppose [verb (transitive)]

supposec1350

presumec1390

take1429

presupposec1443

takec1449

presupponec1475

supponea1513

subsume1562

foreprise1577

to take for granted1615

to give for granted1637

assume1660

foretake1674

premisea1706

predicate1718

dare say1749

pre-assume1789

the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > render overweening [verb (transitive)] > presume to

presumec1390

society > authority > office > accession or entering upon office or authority > take office [verb (transitive)] > take office wrongfully

presumec1390

usurp1447

usurpate1542

c1390 G. Chaucer Physician's Tale 18 Apelles, Zanzis sholde werche in veyn Outher to graue or peynte or forge or bete, If they presumeden me [sc. Nature] to countrefete.

1402 T. Hoccleve Lepistre Cupide (Huntington) l. 355 in Minor Poems (1970) ii. 304 Shee presumed to ete of the tree which god forbad þat shee nat ete of sholde.

a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 35 Ozias..presumed for to do upon him þe prestis stole.

1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 572 [The King] swour that he suld wengeance ta Off that Brwys that presumyt swa Aganys him to brawle or rys.

1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Svpper of the Lorde f. cxxx We do not presume to come to this thy table (o mercifull lord) trusting in our owne righteousnes, but in thy..great mercies.

1584 A. Barlowe in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) iii. 728 I haue presumed to present vnto you this briefe discourse, by which you may iudge how profitable this land is likely to succeede.

1634 W. Wood New Englands Prospect To Rdr. sig. A3 Yet dare I presume to present thee with the true, and faithfull relation.

1697 Proclamation 4 May in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (1986) VI. 183/2 Some persons presume to import into this kingdom forraign black-money.

1733 A. Pope Ess. Man ii. 1 Know then Thy-self, presume not God to scan.

1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest I. v. 196 May I presume to ask what has interested you thus in her favour?

1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans II. i. 4 Living human beings had now presumed to approach the dreary place.

1868 E. Edwards Life Sir W. Ralegh I. xxiii. 517 To his mind, it was..intolerable that historians should presume to sit in judgment on the actions of kings.

1881 H. James Portrait of Lady II. xiv. 167 They are immense, your attractions, and he would never have presumed to think of you if she had not put him up to it.

1916 J. Joyce Portrait of Artist iv. 181 Even when he doubted some statement of a master, he had never presumed to doubt openly.

1961 B. Pym No Fond Return of Love x. 87 I wouldn't presume to put her clothes away for her, but it's difficult to do the room when they're lying all over the place.

1992 M. Bishop Count Geiger's Blues xxiii. 117 You're presuming to tell me how to conduct myself?

†c. transitive (reflexive). With infinitive: = sense 1b. Also intransitive as to presume upon oneself. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > be overweening or presumptuous [verb (reflexive)]

relievea1382

presumec1425

pressc1480

bear1603

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 5050 (MED) It wer ydelnes, Me to preswme by and by texpresse Hir beute al.

1444 Rolls of Parl. V. 108/2 Who so evere presume opon hym or thaime, to accept or occupie the seide Office of Sherreff, to stonde disabled.

1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iv. xv. 275 Noon ought to presume himself to take eny thinge of the armes of an other.

a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Harl. 7333) (1879) 78 (MED) O, rybawde, whi hast þou presumyd thi self for to sey that þou were emperour?

†2. transitive. To take possession of without right; to seize or usurp. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > appropriate > without right or usurp

fornimOE

crochec1380

presume1387

encroach?a1400

usurpc1400

wrestc1426

accroach?a1439

supplant1483

usurpa1513

usurpate1542

arrogate1573

to usurp on or upon1594

invade1617

1387–8 Petition London Mercers in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 37 (MED) The gouernaunce of this Citee standeth as it is bifor saide & wole stande whil vittaillers bi suffraunce presumen thilke states vpon hem.

a1425 (?c1384) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 363 (MED) Þe pope mai not opinlier telle þat he is Anticrist..þan for to putte many mennis lyves for þis office þat he presumeþ.

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1869) II. 157 Kinadius..presumede [a1387 J. Trevisa tr. took..wiþ wrong and wiþ strengþe; L. usurpavit] alle the grownde.

3. To assume; to take for granted; to presuppose; to anticipate, count upon, or expect (in early use with a suggestion of overconfidence); (spec. in Law) to take as proved in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

a. transitive. With infinitive or clause as object or with object and complement.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > jurisprudence > jurisprudence [verb (transitive)] > presume

presumec1395

c1395 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 1503 A ful greet fool is any conseillour..That dar presume, or elles thenken it, That his conseil sholde passe his lordes wit.

c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. Prol. 108 Þe cardinales atte Courte þat..power presumed in hem a Pope to make.

c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 213 Fra tyme a man be ressauit jn seruice, he is presumyt ay tobe seruand, quhill he be releschit of his seruice.

a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 81 That by the law ys presupposyd & utturly presumyd to be truth.

1590 H. Swinburne Briefe Treat. Test. & Willes vi. f. 223 Some are of opinion, that euery man is presumed to liue till he be an hundred yeares old.

1628 T. Spencer Art of Logick 304 The proposition presumes, that one of the three must be indured, and no more but one of them.

1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding ii. xxx. 174 The farthest I can go, is only to presume, that it being nothing but Body, its real Essence..can be nothing but the Figure, Size, and Connexion of its solid Parts.

1724 J. Henley et al. tr. Pliny the Younger Epist. & Panegyrick I. iii. xviii. 147 I presume, that in this kind of Matter there is room for a greater Latitude in Style.

1759 W. Robertson Hist. Scotl. iii, in Hist. Wks. (1813) I. 236 Elizabeth, we may presume, did not wish that the proposal should be received in any other manner.

1792 H. H. Brackenridge Mod. Chivalry IV. i. xi. 99 It is not to be presumed thathe ever had an opportunity of reading Cudworth'sIntellectual System.

1805 E. H. East Rep. Cases King's Bench 6 82 At any time beyond the first seven years they might fairly presume him dead.

1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby ix. 75 Miss Squeers may be presumed to have been possessed of it.

1879 J. Lubbock Addresses, Polit. & Educ. i. 20 Cicero in one of his letters to Atticus..presumes that he would not care to have any from Britain.

1915 W. S. Maugham Of Human Bondage xcvii. 512 He presumed that Mildred would cook his breakfast while he was dressing.

1937 Amer. Home Apr. 41/1 Good paints are presumed to give good service if properly applied, regardless of the nature and age of the paints used previously.

1997 Independent 3 July 24/1 After 18 years of presuming that the world could only be interpreted in one way, shazam, we discover that it can be different.

b. transitive. With simple object.

ΚΠ

1487 Thewis Gud Women (St. John's Cambr.) l. 180 in R. Girvan Ratis Raving & Other Early Scots Poems (1939) 91 For na folk will þe gud presum.

1565 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 343 Hir Majestie nevir presumit alteratioun of the guid and quiet estait of the commoun weill.

1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica 131 We cannot presume the existence of this animall, nor dare we affirme there is any Phænix in Nature.

1703 W. Burkitt Expos. Notes New Test. Matt. i. 19 Kind and merciful Men always presume the best.

1782 T. Jefferson Let. 26 Nov. in Papers (1952) VI. 203 I accepted the appointment and my only object now is so to hasten over those obstacles which would retard my departure as to be ready to join you in your voiage, fondly measuring your affections by my own and presuming your consent.

1805 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. V. 375 Until a writ of seisin is awarded, executed and returned, (all which must appear upon record, and cannot be presumed).

1836 R. P. Smith Actress of Padua II. ii. 183 She rather presumed an examination to be altogether unnecessary.

1871 Law Rep.: Chancery Appeal Cases 6 357 Death is presumed from the person not being heard of for seven years.

1904 Times 4 June 11/2 That seems as impractical as the march upon Port Arthur, since it presumes an impossible degree of inertia and blindness on the part of General Kuroki.

1968 New Eng. Jrnl. Med. 15 Feb. 367 Medicine for the masses is now called, ‘delivery of health care’..and presumes an inherent right of everyone to the best possible care.

1991 R. Goldstein Dark Sister iii. 36 Perhaps it is an element of the exotic which hovers round your personage, beguiling the uninitiated into presuming a foreign derivation.

†4.

a. intransitive. presume of: to lay claim to presumptuously; to pretend to. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > be morally improper for [verb (transitive)] > claim unduly

presume of1415

arrogate1537

assume1548

usurp1549

misclaim1746

1415 T. Hoccleve Addr. to Sir John Oldcastle l. 128 in Minor Poems (1970) i. 12 Presume nat so mochil of thy wit!

1599 F. Thynne Animaduersions (1875) 31 I will not presume of muche knowledge in these tounges.

1609 R. Parsons Quiet Reckoning i. 3 It appeareth that he argueth me to haue little wit (as indeed without follie I cannot presume of much).

b. intransitive. to presume of oneself: to set oneself up; to be presumptuous. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) i. 5669 (MED) For who to moch doth off hymsilff presume, His owne vsurpyng will sonest hym consume.

c1450 Speculum Christiani (Harl. 6580) (1933) 202 (MED) Peter was temptede, that he schulde not presume [L. depresumeret] of hym-selfe.

a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 8 (MED) Þe grace of god..makiþ lowe hem þat presumyþ of hemself [L. de se præsumentes].

c. transitive. With infinitive or clause as object. To claim, pretend, or profess. Also reflexive or intransitive as to presume (upon) oneself. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > statement > assertion without proof > [verb (transitive)] > claim, maintain, or profess

to bear (a person or thing) in (also an, a, on) handc1300

pretend1402

presumea1470

profess1530

vendicate1557

pretence1567

intend1570

to show for ——1573

affect1606

to make out1659

purport1679

proport1884

a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 62 I woll assay myselffe to draw oute the swerde, nat presumynge myselff that I am the beste knyghte.

1557 T. North tr. A. de Guevara Diall Princes (1568) iii. xiii. 22 The prince whiche is vertuous, and presumethe to be a christian,..oughte to considre what losse or profyte will ensue thereof.

1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) ii. 51 Those who will not presume to bee able to doe anie thing, knowe how to doe most thinges, and those who take upon them to knowe all thinges, are those which commonlie knowe nothing at all.

1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 279 Although he much presumed to be an Astrologer or Diviner himselfe.

1666 Duchess of Newcastle Descr. New World i. 117 Neither do I presume to be a Deity.

1717 D. Manley Lucius v. i. 50 Thou! guilty, treacherous Lord of Albany! Can'st thou, who wrong'd the Queen, and wrong'd our Fame, Presume to be a Friend?

†5. intransitive. To aspire or press forward presumptuously; to make one's way overconfidently into an unwarranted position; to presume to go. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

?a1425 Constit. Masonry (Royal 17 A.i) l. 717 in J. O. Halliwell Early Hist. Freemasonry in Eng. (1844) 38 Presume not to hye for nothynge, For thyn hye blod, ny thy comynge.

?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 65 (MED) Þou and þi Wyff arn barrany and bare..Whow durste þou a-monge fruteful presume and Abuse.

a1500 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 15th Cent. (1939) 75 (MED) The cause þerfor, yf she wyll wytt, Wyll I presume on sych a flowre, ssay, off hyr.

1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. v. vi. f. 159 I straightly chardged him not to presume to that mynisterie which he could not do accordingly.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 13 Up led by thee Into the Heav'n of Heav'ns I have presum'd, An Earthlie Guest.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals vii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 32 If my Wishes have presum'd too high.

1742 J. Thornley Ess., or Exam. of Doctr. Robert Barclay’s Apol. 193 I give Caution lest they presume too high in their own Thoughts, and to prevent their falling into gross Mistake and into Destruction by Presumption.

6. intransitive. To act with an assumption of authority, permission, or right; to be presumptuous; to take liberties. Frequently with on, upon or †of: to act presumptuously on the strength of; to take (esp. unscrupulous) advantage of.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > be or become presumptuous [verb (intransitive)]

overween1340

to take on (also upon) one(self)?1435

presumea1450

the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > be or become presumptuous [verb (intransitive)] > make one's way presumptuously

presumea1450

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > misuse > [verb (transitive)] > exploit or take advantage of

to take (the) advantagea1393

milk?1531

presume1580

to play upon ——1603

milch1614

to grow on or upona1616

play1656

impose1670

exploit1838

manipulate1862

over-exploit1899

slug1946

to get over1979

a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) 485 (MED) Wherto..artow so proude..And presumest fully in wyrchyng Lik as thow were sone vnto the kyng?

c1475 Advice to Lovers in J. O. Halliwell Select. Minor Poems J. Lydgate (1840) 37 (MED) To be coupled to so hihe astate, I am unable, I am not apt thereto, So to presume.

1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 12 Presume not too much of y^e courtesies of those.

1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 16 The Catholique King knowing the Portugals to presume beyond their strength.

1683 D. A. Whole Art Converse 6 If they presume too much upon their nobility.

a1708 W. Beveridge Thes. Theologicus (1710) II. 250 To take no care, is to presume upon providence.

1744 E. F. Haywood Fortunate Foundlings xiii. 167 Our very pride, methinks, should be a sufficient guard..when once convinced he presumed upon our weakness.

1797 G. Morris in J. Sparks Life G. Morris (1832) III. 106 Ignorance will presume, and its presumption will be chastised.

1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe I. iv. 69 Gurth, knowing his master's irritable temper, attempted no exculpation; but the Jester, who could presume upon Cedric's tolerance, by virtue of his privileges as a fool, replied for them both.

1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xxix. 148 She has all her life presumed on her delicacy, and her good looks, and her lady-like airs.

1885 G. MacDonald Diary Old Soul 16 May I would go near thee—but I cannot press Into thy presence—it helps not to presume.

1914 S. Lewis Our Mr. Wrenn ix. 115 He was in the art school in California when I was there, and he presumes on that.

1961 R. Shaw Sun Doctor iii. i. 230 Forgive me if I have presumed.

1986 G. Priestland Something Understood x. 264 I had put the cardinal on the spot, presumed upon his honesty, put him in an intolerable position.

7. intransitive to presume on, upon, or †of: to rely upon, count upon, or take for granted; to have expectations of. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expect [verb (transitive)] > rely on

to presume on, upon, or of?a1475

reckon1547

lot1633

compute1674

count1711

to look to ——1782

to bargain for1801

calculate1802

to figure on or upon1904

the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expect [verb (transitive)]

weenOE

weenc1000

thinklOE

lookc1225

hopec1330

trusta1387

wait onc1390

supposea1393

to wait after ——1393

to look after ——c1400

thinkc1480

attend1483

suppone1490

expect1535

to expect for1538

aspect1548

respect1549

look1560

ween1589

attend1591

propose1594

await1608

to presume on, upon, or of1608

to look forwards1637

prospect1652

to look for ——a1677

augur1678

anticipate1749

to look to ——1782

spect1839

contemplate1841–8

to look forward1848

eye1979

?a1475 (a1396) W. Hilton Scale of Perfection (Harl. 6579) ii. xx. f. 83^v (MED) He presumiþ of his owne desertes & þinkiþ him self ay riche & gode.

a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 226 (MED) Þey..presumyn to mychil of Godis mercy & nout wil amendyn hem.

c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme xci. 15 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 137 [Thou shalt] on his truth noe lesse presume, Then most in shield affy.

1597 Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas iii. 46 Some haue presumed by coniecture vpon his going to Tharsis, and fleeing from the face of the Lord.

1608 J. Dod & R. Cleaver Plaine Expos. Prov. ix–x. 125 They presumed of peace and safety, and so their destruction commeth suddenly without resistance.

1664 S. Pepys Diary 27 July (1971) V. 223 How uncertain a thing our lives are and how little to be presumed of.

1688 in Pennsylvania Arch. (1852) I. 107 Upon which accounts I shall presume on you.

1766 J. Entick Surv. London in New Hist. London IV. 202 These could not be presumed upon for columns exceeding four feet in diameter.

1803 S. Sheriffe Forest of Hohenelbe I. 9 I was not to presume on any further favours.

1853 E. Bennett Clara Moreland ix. 114 Were he only with me now, I somehow felt that I could presume upon ultimately escaping from captivity through his resources and good fortune.

1891 G. Gissing New Grub St. III. xxiii. 94 ‘And let us just suppose that you are so unfortunate as to fail?’ ‘There's no supposing it, unless, of course, I lose my health. I am not presuming on any wonderful development of powers.’

1960 Times 10 Feb. 11/5 Should there be some..who would for political or other reasons rather see Sir Oliver as Chancellor, by all means let him be nominated. But they should not presume upon the acquiescence of Convocation.

1994 L. Gordon Charlotte Brontë (1995) i. 3 She could not presume on more than limited understanding. Her sisters alone saw her unshaded self.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	presume
释义	† presumen. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: presume v. Etymology: < presume v. Obsolete. 1. Scottish. Anticipation, expectation. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > expectation > [noun] to-hopec888 weenOE hopea1225 thoughta1350 opiniona1425 attentc1430 looking1440 presume?a1500 beliefa1522 expectation1527 expection1532 looking for1532 looking after?1537 expecting1568 imagination1582 expectance1593 suppose1596 expect1597 expectancy1609 apprehensiona1616 contemplationa1631 prospect1665 supposition1719 speculationa1797 augury1871 preperception1871 a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Preaching of Swallow l. 1848 in Poems (1981) 72 Thir small birdis..lychtit doun, Bot of the nettis na presume thay had. a1600 ( W. Stewart tr. H. Boece Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) 8693 Ȝit neuirtheles I haif ane gude presume He schaipis first to muthe battell on me. 2. Presumption, audacity; an instance of this. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > [noun] presumptiona1250 overweena1300 jollitya1340 overweening1340 overhopec1390 surfeitryc1425 presumptuousnessa1450 outrecuidance?c1450 sauciness1534 presumptiousness1550 presume1590 confidence1597 assuming1602 self-assumption1609 overweeningness1621 self-assuming1644 assumingnessa1832 assumptiousness1870 hubris1884 hybris1920 1590 T. Watson Eglogue vpon Death Walsingham 360 Ah but my Muse..begins to tremble at my great presume. 1610 W. Folkingham Feudigraphia Ep. Ded. sig. A2^v Praying your gracious Indulgence for my rude Presume. 1655 A. Brewer Love-sick King iv. sig. F3^v This thy proud presume shall break thy neck, for chafing our high blood. 1774 J. Bennet Poems Several Occasions 1 From dark oblivion their just actions bring; But not of monarchs great presume to treat, Tho' this was once their blest, their lov'd retreat. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022). presumev. Brit. /prᵻˈzjuːm/, U.S. /priˈz(j)um/, /prəˈz(j)um/ Forms: Middle English presewme, Middle English presome, Middle English presum, Middle English presun (transmission error), Middle English presvme, Middle English–1500s preswme, Middle English– presume, 1500s–1600s praesume; Scottish pre-1700 persome, pre-1700 persoum, pre-1700 perswme, pre-1700 praesume, pre-1700 presewm, pre-1700 presoime, pre-1700 presome, pre-1700 presoome, pre-1700 presoyme, pre-1700 pressume, pre-1700 presum, pre-1700 presumme, pre-1700 presumpt (past tense), pre-1700 preswime, pre-1700 preswme, pre-1700 1700s– presume. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French presumer; Latin praesūmere. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French presumer (French présumer ) to assume, to take for granted (c1200 in Old French), to take possession of (a thing) without right, to take the liberty to do (something) (both c1400 or earlier in Anglo-Norman), to pretend (second half of the 15th cent. or earlier), to have too positive an opinion of (a person or thing) (second half of the 15th cent. or earlier), to rely too much on (a person) (second half of the 15th cent. or earlier) and its etymon classical Latin praesūmere to consume beforehand, to take upon oneself beforehand, to anticipate, to take for granted, presuppose, assume, in post-classical Latin also to be arrogant (early 3rd cent. in Tertullian), to rely on, expect (4th cent.), to take the liberty, to dare (early 5th cent.), to claim (8th cent.) < prae- pre- prefix + sūmere to take (see sumpsimus n.).Compare Old Occitan, Occitan presumir (beginning of the 13th cent.), Catalan presumir (13th cent.), Spanish presumir (end of the 13th cent.), Portuguese presumir (13th cent.), Italian presumere (a1276). In the Older Scots past tense form presumpt probably influenced by classical Latin praesumpt- , past participial stem of praesūmere . With to presume upon oneself at sense 1c compare Anglo-Norman presumer sur sei, Middle French presumer sur soi (second half of the 15th cent. or earlier). 1. To take upon oneself; to undertake without adequate authority or permission. a. transitive. With simple object: to venture on, lay presumptuous claim to. Now rare. ΚΠ a1382 Prefatory Epist. St. Jerome in Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1959) vi. 17 Þis craft of scripturez..alle presumen [a1425 L.V. presumen to knowe this; L. præsumunt], to-teren, techen, or þey lernen. a1425 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1869) I. 76 Þei ben contrarie to alle þes newe ordris þat ben presumed aȝens Crist. ?c1450 in G. J. Aungier Hist. & Antiq. Syon Monastery (1840) 386 (MED) If any haue desire to lygh in her cowle, none schal presume thys withe oute special licence of the abbes. 1490 Arte & Crafte to knowe well to Dye (Caxton) 7 Late none presume nothynge of hym selfe. 1541 Act 33 Hen. VIII c. 6 Evill disposed persons,..presumynge wilfullye and obstynatlye the violacion and breach of the saide Acte. 1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 39 That sic ane knaif sa hie thing to presume As to defoull the..Emprice. 1669 Ld. Chaworth in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 13 I had not præsumed so much but that I have heard my Lorde off Rutland say [etc.]. 1780 S. Johnson Let. 10 July (1992) III. 285 Hopes of excellence which I once presumed, and never have attained. 1785 W. Cowper Task iii. 459 One..whose powers, Presuming an attempt not less sublime, Pant [etc.]. 1805 G. Colman Who wants Guinea? iii. i. 38 Sir Larry Is he come with yourself? Fanny He would not presume so much, Sir, without your permission. 1843 C. F. Briggs Bankrupt Stories iv. vi. 341 ‘If it is not presuming too much,’ said Mr. Jacobs, ‘may I take the liberty to enquire what you are box'd for?’ 1870 W. J. Courthope Paradise of Birds 112 You're presuming too much. 1901 Times 9 Aug. 12/6 I trust..that I may not be presuming too much if I venture to tender my hearty good wishes for the speedy accomplishment of the raising of the level of one of the Nile lakes. 1981 P. P. Read Villa Golitsyn ii. iii. 105 He looked surprised—almost annoyed—as if a servant had presumed too great a familiarity. b. transitive. With infinitive as object: to be so presumptuous as; to take the liberty; to dare or venture. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > without authority presumec1390 pretend1711 the mind > mental capacity > belief > supposition, surmise > taking for granted, presumption > assume, presuppose [verb (transitive)] supposec1350 presumec1390 take1429 presupposec1443 takec1449 presupponec1475 supponea1513 subsume1562 foreprise1577 to take for granted1615 to give for granted1637 assume1660 foretake1674 premisea1706 predicate1718 dare say1749 pre-assume1789 the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > render overweening [verb (transitive)] > presume to presumec1390 society > authority > office > accession or entering upon office or authority > take office [verb (transitive)] > take office wrongfully presumec1390 usurp1447 usurpate1542 c1390 G. Chaucer Physician's Tale 18 Apelles, Zanzis sholde werche in veyn Outher to graue or peynte or forge or bete, If they presumeden me [sc. Nature] to countrefete. 1402 T. Hoccleve Lepistre Cupide (Huntington) l. 355 in Minor Poems (1970) ii. 304 Shee presumed to ete of the tree which god forbad þat shee nat ete of sholde. a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 35 Ozias..presumed for to do upon him þe prestis stole. 1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 572 [The King] swour that he suld wengeance ta Off that Brwys that presumyt swa Aganys him to brawle or rys. 1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Svpper of the Lorde f. cxxx We do not presume to come to this thy table (o mercifull lord) trusting in our owne righteousnes, but in thy..great mercies. 1584 A. Barlowe in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) iii. 728 I haue presumed to present vnto you this briefe discourse, by which you may iudge how profitable this land is likely to succeede. 1634 W. Wood New Englands Prospect To Rdr. sig. A3 Yet dare I presume to present thee with the true, and faithfull relation. 1697 Proclamation 4 May in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (1986) VI. 183/2 Some persons presume to import into this kingdom forraign black-money. 1733 A. Pope Ess. Man ii. 1 Know then Thy-self, presume not God to scan. 1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest I. v. 196 May I presume to ask what has interested you thus in her favour? 1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans II. i. 4 Living human beings had now presumed to approach the dreary place. 1868 E. Edwards Life Sir W. Ralegh I. xxiii. 517 To his mind, it was..intolerable that historians should presume to sit in judgment on the actions of kings. 1881 H. James Portrait of Lady II. xiv. 167 They are immense, your attractions, and he would never have presumed to think of you if she had not put him up to it. 1916 J. Joyce Portrait of Artist iv. 181 Even when he doubted some statement of a master, he had never presumed to doubt openly. 1961 B. Pym No Fond Return of Love x. 87 I wouldn't presume to put her clothes away for her, but it's difficult to do the room when they're lying all over the place. 1992 M. Bishop Count Geiger's Blues xxiii. 117 You're presuming to tell me how to conduct myself? †c. transitive (reflexive). With infinitive: = sense 1b. Also intransitive as to presume upon oneself. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > be overweening or presumptuous [verb (reflexive)] relievea1382 presumec1425 pressc1480 bear1603 c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 5050 (MED) It wer ydelnes, Me to preswme by and by texpresse Hir beute al. 1444 Rolls of Parl. V. 108/2 Who so evere presume opon hym or thaime, to accept or occupie the seide Office of Sherreff, to stonde disabled. 1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iv. xv. 275 Noon ought to presume himself to take eny thinge of the armes of an other. a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Harl. 7333) (1879) 78 (MED) O, rybawde, whi hast þou presumyd thi self for to sey that þou were emperour? †2. transitive. To take possession of without right; to seize or usurp. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > appropriate > without right or usurp fornimOE crochec1380 presume1387 encroach?a1400 usurpc1400 wrestc1426 accroach?a1439 supplant1483 usurpa1513 usurpate1542 arrogate1573 to usurp on or upon1594 invade1617 1387–8 Petition London Mercers in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 37 (MED) The gouernaunce of this Citee standeth as it is bifor saide & wole stande whil vittaillers bi suffraunce presumen thilke states vpon hem. a1425 (?c1384) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 363 (MED) Þe pope mai not opinlier telle þat he is Anticrist..þan for to putte many mennis lyves for þis office þat he presumeþ. ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1869) II. 157 Kinadius..presumede [a1387 J. Trevisa tr. took..wiþ wrong and wiþ strengþe; L. usurpavit] alle the grownde. 3. To assume; to take for granted; to presuppose; to anticipate, count upon, or expect (in early use with a suggestion of overconfidence); (spec. in Law) to take as proved in the absence of evidence to the contrary. a. transitive. With infinitive or clause as object or with object and complement. ΘΚΠ society > law > jurisprudence > jurisprudence [verb (transitive)] > presume presumec1395 c1395 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 1503 A ful greet fool is any conseillour..That dar presume, or elles thenken it, That his conseil sholde passe his lordes wit. c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. Prol. 108 Þe cardinales atte Courte þat..power presumed in hem a Pope to make. c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 213 Fra tyme a man be ressauit jn seruice, he is presumyt ay tobe seruand, quhill he be releschit of his seruice. a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 81 That by the law ys presupposyd & utturly presumyd to be truth. 1590 H. Swinburne Briefe Treat. Test. & Willes vi. f. 223 Some are of opinion, that euery man is presumed to liue till he be an hundred yeares old. 1628 T. Spencer Art of Logick 304 The proposition presumes, that one of the three must be indured, and no more but one of them. 1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding ii. xxx. 174 The farthest I can go, is only to presume, that it being nothing but Body, its real Essence..can be nothing but the Figure, Size, and Connexion of its solid Parts. 1724 J. Henley et al. tr. Pliny the Younger Epist. & Panegyrick I. iii. xviii. 147 I presume, that in this kind of Matter there is room for a greater Latitude in Style. 1759 W. Robertson Hist. Scotl. iii, in Hist. Wks. (1813) I. 236 Elizabeth, we may presume, did not wish that the proposal should be received in any other manner. 1792 H. H. Brackenridge Mod. Chivalry IV. i. xi. 99 It is not to be presumed thathe ever had an opportunity of reading Cudworth'sIntellectual System. 1805 E. H. East Rep. Cases King's Bench 6 82 At any time beyond the first seven years they might fairly presume him dead. 1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby ix. 75 Miss Squeers may be presumed to have been possessed of it. 1879 J. Lubbock Addresses, Polit. & Educ. i. 20 Cicero in one of his letters to Atticus..presumes that he would not care to have any from Britain. 1915 W. S. Maugham Of Human Bondage xcvii. 512 He presumed that Mildred would cook his breakfast while he was dressing. 1937 Amer. Home Apr. 41/1 Good paints are presumed to give good service if properly applied, regardless of the nature and age of the paints used previously. 1997 Independent 3 July 24/1 After 18 years of presuming that the world could only be interpreted in one way, shazam, we discover that it can be different. b. transitive. With simple object. ΚΠ 1487 Thewis Gud Women (St. John's Cambr.) l. 180 in R. Girvan Ratis Raving & Other Early Scots Poems (1939) 91 For na folk will þe gud presum. 1565 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 343 Hir Majestie nevir presumit alteratioun of the guid and quiet estait of the commoun weill. 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica 131 We cannot presume the existence of this animall, nor dare we affirme there is any Phænix in Nature. View more context for this quotation 1703 W. Burkitt Expos. Notes New Test. Matt. i. 19 Kind and merciful Men always presume the best. 1782 T. Jefferson Let. 26 Nov. in Papers (1952) VI. 203 I accepted the appointment and my only object now is so to hasten over those obstacles which would retard my departure as to be ready to join you in your voiage, fondly measuring your affections by my own and presuming your consent. 1805 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. V. 375 Until a writ of seisin is awarded, executed and returned, (all which must appear upon record, and cannot be presumed). 1836 R. P. Smith Actress of Padua II. ii. 183 She rather presumed an examination to be altogether unnecessary. 1871 Law Rep.: Chancery Appeal Cases 6 357 Death is presumed from the person not being heard of for seven years. 1904 Times 4 June 11/2 That seems as impractical as the march upon Port Arthur, since it presumes an impossible degree of inertia and blindness on the part of General Kuroki. 1968 New Eng. Jrnl. Med. 15 Feb. 367 Medicine for the masses is now called, ‘delivery of health care’..and presumes an inherent right of everyone to the best possible care. 1991 R. Goldstein Dark Sister iii. 36 Perhaps it is an element of the exotic which hovers round your personage, beguiling the uninitiated into presuming a foreign derivation. †4. a. intransitive. presume of: to lay claim to presumptuously; to pretend to. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > be morally improper for [verb (transitive)] > claim unduly presume of1415 arrogate1537 assume1548 usurp1549 misclaim1746 1415 T. Hoccleve Addr. to Sir John Oldcastle l. 128 in Minor Poems (1970) i. 12 Presume nat so mochil of thy wit! 1599 F. Thynne Animaduersions (1875) 31 I will not presume of muche knowledge in these tounges. 1609 R. Parsons Quiet Reckoning i. 3 It appeareth that he argueth me to haue little wit (as indeed without follie I cannot presume of much). b. intransitive. to presume of oneself: to set oneself up; to be presumptuous. Obsolete. ΚΠ a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) i. 5669 (MED) For who to moch doth off hymsilff presume, His owne vsurpyng will sonest hym consume. c1450 Speculum Christiani (Harl. 6580) (1933) 202 (MED) Peter was temptede, that he schulde not presume [L. depresumeret] of hym-selfe. a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 8 (MED) Þe grace of god..makiþ lowe hem þat presumyþ of hemself [L. de se præsumentes]. c. transitive. With infinitive or clause as object. To claim, pretend, or profess. Also reflexive or intransitive as to presume (upon) oneself. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > assertion without proof > [verb (transitive)] > claim, maintain, or profess to bear (a person or thing) in (also an, a, on) handc1300 pretend1402 presumea1470 profess1530 vendicate1557 pretence1567 intend1570 to show for ——1573 affect1606 to make out1659 purport1679 proport1884 a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 62 I woll assay myselffe to draw oute the swerde, nat presumynge myselff that I am the beste knyghte. 1557 T. North tr. A. de Guevara Diall Princes (1568) iii. xiii. 22 The prince whiche is vertuous, and presumethe to be a christian,..oughte to considre what losse or profyte will ensue thereof. 1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) ii. 51 Those who will not presume to bee able to doe anie thing, knowe how to doe most thinges, and those who take upon them to knowe all thinges, are those which commonlie knowe nothing at all. 1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 279 Although he much presumed to be an Astrologer or Diviner himselfe. 1666 Duchess of Newcastle Descr. New World i. 117 Neither do I presume to be a Deity. 1717 D. Manley Lucius v. i. 50 Thou! guilty, treacherous Lord of Albany! Can'st thou, who wrong'd the Queen, and wrong'd our Fame, Presume to be a Friend? †5. intransitive. To aspire or press forward presumptuously; to make one's way overconfidently into an unwarranted position; to presume to go. Obsolete. ΚΠ ?a1425 Constit. Masonry (Royal 17 A.i) l. 717 in J. O. Halliwell Early Hist. Freemasonry in Eng. (1844) 38 Presume not to hye for nothynge, For thyn hye blod, ny thy comynge. ?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 65 (MED) Þou and þi Wyff arn barrany and bare..Whow durste þou a-monge fruteful presume and Abuse. a1500 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 15th Cent. (1939) 75 (MED) The cause þerfor, yf she wyll wytt, Wyll I presume on sych a flowre, ssay, off hyr. 1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. v. vi. f. 159 I straightly chardged him not to presume to that mynisterie which he could not do accordingly. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 13 Up led by thee Into the Heav'n of Heav'ns I have presum'd, An Earthlie Guest. View more context for this quotation 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals vii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 32 If my Wishes have presum'd too high. 1742 J. Thornley Ess., or Exam. of Doctr. Robert Barclay’s Apol. 193 I give Caution lest they presume too high in their own Thoughts, and to prevent their falling into gross Mistake and into Destruction by Presumption. 6. intransitive. To act with an assumption of authority, permission, or right; to be presumptuous; to take liberties. Frequently with on, upon or †of: to act presumptuously on the strength of; to take (esp. unscrupulous) advantage of. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > be or become presumptuous [verb (intransitive)] overween1340 to take on (also upon) one(self)?1435 presumea1450 the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > be or become presumptuous [verb (intransitive)] > make one's way presumptuously presumea1450 the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > misuse > [verb (transitive)] > exploit or take advantage of to take (the) advantagea1393 milk?1531 presume1580 to play upon ——1603 milch1614 to grow on or upona1616 play1656 impose1670 exploit1838 manipulate1862 over-exploit1899 slug1946 to get over1979 a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) 485 (MED) Wherto..artow so proude..And presumest fully in wyrchyng Lik as thow were sone vnto the kyng? c1475 Advice to Lovers in J. O. Halliwell Select. Minor Poems J. Lydgate (1840) 37 (MED) To be coupled to so hihe astate, I am unable, I am not apt thereto, So to presume. 1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 12 Presume not too much of y^e courtesies of those. 1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 16 The Catholique King knowing the Portugals to presume beyond their strength. 1683 D. A. Whole Art Converse 6 If they presume too much upon their nobility. a1708 W. Beveridge Thes. Theologicus (1710) II. 250 To take no care, is to presume upon providence. 1744 E. F. Haywood Fortunate Foundlings xiii. 167 Our very pride, methinks, should be a sufficient guard..when once convinced he presumed upon our weakness. 1797 G. Morris in J. Sparks Life G. Morris (1832) III. 106 Ignorance will presume, and its presumption will be chastised. 1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe I. iv. 69 Gurth, knowing his master's irritable temper, attempted no exculpation; but the Jester, who could presume upon Cedric's tolerance, by virtue of his privileges as a fool, replied for them both. 1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xxix. 148 She has all her life presumed on her delicacy, and her good looks, and her lady-like airs. 1885 G. MacDonald Diary Old Soul 16 May I would go near thee—but I cannot press Into thy presence—it helps not to presume. 1914 S. Lewis Our Mr. Wrenn ix. 115 He was in the art school in California when I was there, and he presumes on that. 1961 R. Shaw Sun Doctor iii. i. 230 Forgive me if I have presumed. 1986 G. Priestland Something Understood x. 264 I had put the cardinal on the spot, presumed upon his honesty, put him in an intolerable position. 7. intransitive to presume on, upon, or †of: to rely upon, count upon, or take for granted; to have expectations of. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expect [verb (transitive)] > rely on to presume on, upon, or of?a1475 reckon1547 lot1633 compute1674 count1711 to look to ——1782 to bargain for1801 calculate1802 to figure on or upon1904 the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expect [verb (transitive)] weenOE weenc1000 thinklOE lookc1225 hopec1330 trusta1387 wait onc1390 supposea1393 to wait after ——1393 to look after ——c1400 thinkc1480 attend1483 suppone1490 expect1535 to expect for1538 aspect1548 respect1549 look1560 ween1589 attend1591 propose1594 await1608 to presume on, upon, or of1608 to look forwards1637 prospect1652 to look for ——a1677 augur1678 anticipate1749 to look to ——1782 spect1839 contemplate1841–8 to look forward1848 eye1979 ?a1475 (a1396) W. Hilton Scale of Perfection (Harl. 6579) ii. xx. f. 83^v (MED) He presumiþ of his owne desertes & þinkiþ him self ay riche & gode. a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 226 (MED) Þey..presumyn to mychil of Godis mercy & nout wil amendyn hem. c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme xci. 15 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 137 [Thou shalt] on his truth noe lesse presume, Then most in shield affy. 1597 Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas iii. 46 Some haue presumed by coniecture vpon his going to Tharsis, and fleeing from the face of the Lord. 1608 J. Dod & R. Cleaver Plaine Expos. Prov. ix–x. 125 They presumed of peace and safety, and so their destruction commeth suddenly without resistance. 1664 S. Pepys Diary 27 July (1971) V. 223 How uncertain a thing our lives are and how little to be presumed of. 1688 in Pennsylvania Arch. (1852) I. 107 Upon which accounts I shall presume on you. 1766 J. Entick Surv. London in New Hist. London IV. 202 These could not be presumed upon for columns exceeding four feet in diameter. 1803 S. Sheriffe Forest of Hohenelbe I. 9 I was not to presume on any further favours. 1853 E. Bennett Clara Moreland ix. 114 Were he only with me now, I somehow felt that I could presume upon ultimately escaping from captivity through his resources and good fortune. 1891 G. Gissing New Grub St. III. xxiii. 94 ‘And let us just suppose that you are so unfortunate as to fail?’ ‘There's no supposing it, unless, of course, I lose my health. I am not presuming on any wonderful development of powers.’ 1960 Times 10 Feb. 11/5 Should there be some..who would for political or other reasons rather see Sir Oliver as Chancellor, by all means let him be nominated. But they should not presume upon the acquiescence of Convocation. 1994 L. Gordon Charlotte Brontë (1995) i. 3 She could not presume on more than limited understanding. Her sisters alone saw her unshaded self. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < n.?a1500v.a1382
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† presumen.

presumev.