| premise | Alternative forms:, less properly, premiss] [F. Premisse, fr. L. Praemissus, p. P. Of praemittere to send before; prae = before + mittere to send. See Mission. 1. A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition. "The premises observed, Thy will by my performance shall be served." (Shak) 2. <logic> Either of the first two propositions of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is drawn. "All sinners deserve punishment: A B is a sinner." These propositions, which are the premises, being true or admitted, the conclusion follows, that A B deserves punishment. "While the premises stand firm, it is impossible to shake the conclusion." (Dr. H. More) 3. Matters previously stated or set forth; especially, that part in the beginning of a deed, the office of which is to express the grantor and grantee, and the land or thing granted or conveyed, and all that precedes the habendum; the thing demised or granted. 4. A piece of real estate; a building and its adjuncts; as, to lease premises; to trespass on another's premises. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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