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n. 1. Behavior or attitude that is boldly arrogant or offensive; effrontery: She was offended at the stranger's presumption in speaking in such an casual manner. 2. The act of presuming or accepting something as true: the presumption of innocence of the accused. 3. A condition or basis for accepting or presuming something. 4. Law A conclusion applied by law as to the correctness of some fact, ordinarily subject to rebuttal by contrary evidence. [Middle English presumpcion, from Old French, from Late Latin praesūmptiō, praesūmptiōn-, from Latin, anticipation, from praesūmptus, past participle of praesūmere, to anticipate; see PRESUME.] |
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