Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Presumptive"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Presumptive \Pre*sump"tive\, a. [Cf. F. pr['e]somptif.]
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}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
presumptive
adj 1: having a reasonable basis for belief or acceptance; "the
presumptive heir (or heir apparent)"
2: affording reasonable grounds for belief or acceptance;
"presumptive evidence"; "a strong presumptive case is made
out"
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