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A method of solving a problem by one or two suppositions; -- called also the rule of trial and error. Angle of position (Astron.), the angle which any line (as that joining two stars) makes with another fixed line, specifically with a circle of declination. -- Double position (Arith.), the method of solving problems b…

Something demanded or asserted; especially, a position or supposition assumed without proof, or one which is considered as self-evident; a truth to which assent may be demanded or challenged, without argument or evidence.

; 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.

ound for presuming; evidence probable, but not conclusive; strong probability; reasonable supposition; as, the presumption is that an event has taken place.

By presumption, or supposition grounded or probability; presumably.

Presupposition. [R.] "Presupposal of knowledge." Hooker.

andle; to quench thirst, love, hate, etc. Ere our blood shall quench that fire. Shak. The supposition of the lady's death Will quench the wonder of her infamy. Shak.

uty toward God and man; the Christian faith and practice. Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Washington. Religion will attend you . . . as pleasant and useful companion in every proper place, and every temperate occupation of life. Buckminster.…

Used as an auxiliary verb, to express a conditional or contingent act or state, or as a supposition of an actual fact; also, to express moral obligation (see Shall); e. g.: they should have come last week; if I should go; I should think you could go. "You have done that you should be sorry for." Shak.…

rise, or apprehension; to frighten suddenly and not seriously; to alarm; to surprise. The supposition, at least, that angels do sometimes assume bodies need not startle us. Locke.

The act of supposing; also, that which is supposed; supposition; opinion. Shak. Interest, with a Jew, never proceeds but upon supposal, at least, of a firm and sufficient bottom. South.

To make supposition; to think; to be of opinion. Acts ii. 15.

Suppositional; hypothetical. [R.] Woodward. -- Sup*pos`i*ti"tious*ly, adv. -- Sup*pos`i*ti"tious*ness, n.

Including or implying supposition, or hypothesis; supposed. -- Sup*pos"i*tive*ly, adv. Hammond.

Supposition; hypothesis; conjecture. [Obs.] Hudibras.

An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis.

Urinary hæmatin; -- applied to the normal coloring matter of the urine, on the supposition that it is formed either directly or indirectly (through bilirubin) from the hæmatin of the blood. See Urochrome, and Urobilin.

ing definite in extent. Even though we go to the extreme verge of possibility to invent a supposition favorable to it, the theory . . . implies an absurdity. J. S. Mill. But on the horizon's verge descried, Hangs, touched with light, one snowy sail. M. Arnold.