From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Assume \As*sume"\, v. i.
1. To be arrogant or pretentious; to claim more than is due.
--Bp. Burnet.
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2. (Law) To undertake, as by a promise. --Burrill.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Assume \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.
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Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the throne.
--Pope.
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The god assumed his native form again. --Pope.
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2. To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a
fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively.
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The consequences of assumed principles. --Whewell.
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3. To pretend to possess; to take in appearance.
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Ambition assuming the mask of religion. --Porteus.
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Assume a virtue, if you have it not. --Shak.
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4. To receive or adopt.
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The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and
lower rank, assumed into that honorable company.
--Sir W.
Scott.
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Syn: To arrogate; usurp; appropriate.
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