I. A taking beforehand, a using or enjoying in advance, anticipation: “rerum, quas assequi cupias, praesumptio ipsa jucunda est,” Plin. Ep. 4, 15, 11: “bonae famae praesumptione perfrui,” id. ib. 9, 3, 1.—
II. In rhet., a taking up and answering in advance, an anticipation of possible or suspected objections: mire in causis valet praesumptio, quae πρόληψις dicitur, cum id, quod obici potest, occupamus, Quint. 9, 2, 16; 9, 2, 18.—
III. A representing to one's self beforehand, a conception, supposition, presumption: “multum dare solemus praesumptioni omnium hominum,” Sen. Ep. 117, 5: “cum contra praesumptionem suam annis decem in obsidione tenerentur,” Just. 3, 4: “non levi praesumptione credere,” Dig. 41, 3, 44.—
2. In partic.
a. Boldness, confidence, assurance, audacity, presumption (post-class.): “illicitā praesumptione rex ad vicem sacerdotis holocaustum obtulit,” Sulp. Sev. Hist. Sacr. 1, 33: “timor fundamentum salutis, praesumptio impedimentum timoris,” Tert. Cult. Fem. 2: “cassa,” App. Mag. p. 323, 17.—
b. Stubbornness, obstinacy: “mirā contra plagarum dolores praesumptione munitus,” App. M. 8, p. 214, 31: “obfirmatus summā praesumptione,” id. ib. 10, p. 243, 25.—
c. Prejudice, Tert. Apol. 49.
