Category:Assume

As*sume", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assumed; p. pr. & vb. n. Assuming.] Etym: [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)

Defn: To undertake, as by a promise. Burrill.