Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUR-MISE, n.

Suspicion; the thought or imagination that: something may be, of which however there is no certain or strong evidence; as, the surmises of jealousy or of envy. We double honor gain / From his surmise prov'd false. – Milton. No man ought to be charged with principles lie disowns, unless his practices contradict his professions; not upon small surmises. – Swift.