Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AS-SUME', v.t. [L. assumo, of ad and sumo, to take.]

1. To take or take upon one. It differs from receive, in not implying an offer to give. The God assumed his native form again. – Pope.
2. To take what is not just; to take with arrogant claims; to arrogate; to seize unjustly; as, to assume haughty airs; to assume unwarrantable powers.
3. To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a fact; as, to assume a principle in reasoning.
4. To appropriate, or take to one's self; as, to assume the debts of another.
5. To take what is fictitious; to pretend to possess; to take in appearance; as, to assume the garb of humility.