premise

Definition

A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition.

Etymology

From Middle English premise, premisse, from Old French premisse, from Medieval Latin premissa (“set before”) (premissa propositio (“the proposition set before”)), feminine past participle of Latin praemittere (“to send or put before”), from prae- (“before”) + mittere (“to send”). Sense 4, a piece of real estate arose from the misinterpretation of the word by property owners while reading title deeds where the word was used with the legal sense.

Example Sentences

• "The premises observed, Thy will by my performance shall be served."
• "While the premises stand firm, 'tis impossible to shake the conclusion."
• "trespass on another’s premises"

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