Wordnet 3.0
ADJECTIVE (2)
1.
having a reasonable basis for belief or acceptance;
- Example: "the presumptive heir (or heir apparent)"2.
affording reasonable grounds for belief or acceptance;
- Example: "presumptive evidence"- Example: "a strong presumptive case is made out"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Presumptive \Pre*sump"tive\, a. [Cf. F. pr['e]somptif.]
1. Based on presumption or probability; grounded on probable
evidence; probable; as, presumptive proof.
[1913 Webster]
2. Presumptuous; arrogant. [R.] --Sir T. Browne.
[1913 Webster]
Presumptive evidence (Law), that which is derived from
circumstances which necessarily or usually attend a fact,
as distinct from direct evidence or positive proof;
indirect or circumstantial evidence. "Presumptive evidence
of felony should be cautiously admitted." --Blackstone.
The distinction, however, between direct and presumptive
(or circumstantial) evidence is now generally abandoned;
all evidence being now more or less direct and more or
less presumptive.
Presumptive heir. See Heir presumptive, under Heir.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
presumptive
adj 1: having a reasonable basis for belief or acceptance; "the
presumptive heir (or heir apparent)"
2: affording reasonable grounds for belief or acceptance;
"presumptive evidence"; "a strong presumptive case is made
out"