prem•ise
Pronunciation: (prem'is), [key] — n., v., -ised, -is•ing.
—n. - a proposition supporting or helping to support a conclusion.
-
- a tract of land including its buildings.
- a building together with its grounds or other appurtenances.
- the property forming the subject of a conveyance or bequest.
-
- a basis, stated or assumed, on which reasoning proceeds.
- an earlier statement in a document.
- (in a bill in equity) the statement of facts upon which the complaint is based.
—v.t. - to set forth beforehand, as by way of introduction or explanation.
- to assume, either explicitly or implicitly, (a proposition) as a premise for a conclusion.
—v.i. - to state or assume a premise.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.