n. [ OE. assumpcioun a taking up into heaven, L. assumptio a taking, fr. assumere: cf. F. assomption. See Assume. ] 1. The act of assuming, or taking to or upon one's self; the act of taking up or adopting. [ 1913 Webster ]
The assumption of authority. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The act of taking for granted, or supposing a thing without proof; supposition; unwarrantable claim. [ 1913 Webster ]
This gives no sanction to the unwarrantable assumption that the soul sleeps from the period of death to the resurrection of the body. Thodey. [ 1913 Webster ]
That calm assumption of the virtues. W. Black. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The thing supposed; a postulate, or proposition assumed; a supposition. [ 1913 Webster ]
Hold! says the Stoic; your assumption's wrong. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. (Logic) The minor or second proposition in a categorical syllogism. [ 1913 Webster ]
5. The taking of a person up into heaven. Hence: (Rom. Cath. & Greek Churches) A festival in honor of the ascent of the Virgin Mary into heaven. [ 1913 Webster ]