n.
/
ˈprɛmɪs/
(
Brit. also
premiss)
Logic a previous statement from which another is inferred.
▸an underlying assumption.
v.
/
prɪˈmʌɪz,
ˈprɛmɪs/
-
(premise on/upon)
base (an argument, theory, etc.) on.
- state or presuppose as a premise.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. premisse, from med. L. praemissa (propositio) ‘(proposition) set in front’, from L. praemittere, from prae ‘before’ + mittere ‘send’.