Presumptive evidence (Law), that which is derived from circumstances
which necessarily or usually attend a fact, as distinct from direct
evidence or positive proof; indirect or circumstantial evidence.
"Presumptive evidence of felony should be cautiously admitted."
Blackstone. The distinction, however, between direct and presumptive
(or circumstantial) evidence is now generally abandoned; all evidence
being now more or less direct and more or less presumptive. --
Presumptive heir. See Heir presumptive, under Heir.
Pre*sump"tive*ly, adv. By presumption, or supposition grounded or
probability; presumably.
Pre*sump"tu*ous (?; 135), a. [L. praesumptuosus: cf. F. prÈsomptueux,
OF. also presumptuous. See Presumption.] 1. Full of presumption;
presuming; overconfident or venturesome; audacious; rash; taking
liberties unduly; arrogant; insolent; as, a presumptuous commander;
presumptuous conduct.
A class of presumptuous men, whom age has not made cautious, nor
adversity wise.
Buckminster.
2. Founded on presumption; as, a presumptuous idea. "False,
presumptuous hope." Milton.
3. Done with hold design, rash confidence, or in violation of known
duty; willful. "Keep back the servant also from presumptuous sins." Ps.
xix. 13.
Syn. -- Overconfident; foolhardy; rash; presuming; forward; arrogant;
insolent.
Pre*sump"tu*ous*ly, adv. In a presumptuous manner; arrogantly.
Pre*sump"tu*ous*ness, n. The quality or state of being presumptuous.
Pre`sup*pos"al (?), n. Presupposition. [R.] "Presupposal of knowledge."
Hooker.
Pre`sup*pose" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Presupposed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Presupposing.] [Pref. pre- + suppose: cf. F. prÈsupposer.] To suppose
beforehand; to imply as antecedent; to take for granted; to assume; as,
creation presupposes a creator.
Each [kind of knowledge] presupposes many necessary things learned
in other sciences, and known beforehand.
Hooker.
Pre*sup`po*si"tion (?), n. [Pref. pre- + supposition: cf. F.
prÈsupposition.] 1. The act of presupposing; an antecedent implication;
presumption.