As·sume v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assumed p. pr. & vb. n. Assuming.]
  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.
  As·sum·ing, a. Pretentious; taking much upon one's self; presumptuous.
  ◄ ►
  assuming
       adj : excessively forward; "an assumptive person"; "on a subject
             like this it would be too assuming for me to decide";
             "the duchess would not put up with presumptuous
             servants" [syn: assumptive, presumptuous]