As*sume" (#), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assumed (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Assuming.] [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.
© Webster 1913.
As*sume", v. i.
1.
To be arrogant or pretentious; to claim more than is due.
Bp. Burnet.
2. Law
To undertake, as by a promise.
Burrill.
© Webster 1913.