presumptive

Adjective

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (2)

  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”
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]

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