definition of
premise

[1] #1 premise n. [premiss, assumption] a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn; "on the assumption that he has been injured we can infer that he will not to play". wn

[2] #2 premise v. set forth beforehand, often as an explanation; "He premised these remarks so that his readers might understand". wn

[3] #3 premise v. [precede, preface, introduce] furnish with a preface or introduction; "She always precedes her lectures with a joke"; "He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution". wn

[4] #4 premise v. [premiss] take something as preexisting and given. wn