Conclusive presumption. See under Conclusive. — Presumption of fact(Law), an argument of a fact from a fact; an inference as to the existence of one fact not certainly known, from the existence of some other fact known or proved, founded on a previous experience of their connection; supposition of the truth or real existence of something, without direct or positive proof of the fact, but grounded on circumstantial or probable evidence which entitles it to belief. Burrill. Best. Wharton. — Presumption of law(Law), a postulate applied in advance to all cases of a particular class; e. g., the presumption of innocence and of regularity of records. Such a presumption is rebuttable or irrebuttable.

Presumptive
(Pre*sump"tive) a. [Cf. F. présomptif.]

1. Based on presumption or probability; grounded on probable evidence; probable; as, presumptive proof.

2. Presumptuous; arrogant. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

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.

Presumptively
(Pre*sump"tive*ly), adv. By presumption, or supposition grounded or probability; presumably.

Presumptuous
(Pre*sump"tu*ous) a. [L. praesumptuosus: cf. F. présomptueux, 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.

Presumptuously
(Pre*sump"tu*ous*ly), adv. In a presumptuous manner; arrogantly.

Presumptuousness
(Pre*sump"tu*ous*ness), n. The quality or state of being presumptuous.

Presupposal
(Pre`sup*pos"al) n. Presupposition. [R.] "Presupposal of knowledge." Hooker.

2. Ground for presuming; evidence probable, but not conclusive; strong probability; reasonable supposition; as, the presumption is that an event has taken place.

3. That which is presumed or assumed; that which is supposed or believed to be real or true, on evidence that is probable but not conclusive. "In contradiction to these very plausible presumptions." De Quincey.

4. The act of venturing beyond due beyond due bounds; an overstepping of the bounds of reverence, respect, or courtesy; forward, overconfident, or arrogant opinion or conduct; presumptuousness; arrogance; effrontery.

Thy son I killed for his presumption.
Shak.

I had the presumption to dedicate to you a very unfinished piece.
Dryden.

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