To take to or upon one's self; to take formally and demonstratively; sometimes, to appropriate or take unjustly. Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the throne. Pope. The god assumed his native form again. Pope.
To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively. The consequences of assumed principles. Whewell.
To pretend to possess; to take in appearance. Ambition assuming the mask of religion. Porteus. Assume a virtue, if you have it not. Shak.
To receive or adopt. The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and lower rank, assumed into that honorable company. Sir W. Scott.
To be arrogant or pretentious; to claim more than is due. Bp. Burnet.
To undertake, as by a promise. Burrill.
98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.