Definition and meaning of premise

PremisePrem"ise (?), n.; pl. Premises (�). [Written also, less properly, premiss.] [F. prémisse, fr. L. praemissus, p. p. of praemittere to send before; prae before + mittere to send. See Mission.]
1. A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; 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.

2. (Logic) Either of the first two propositions of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is drawn.

“All sinners deserve punishment: A B is a sinner.”
These propositions, which are the premises, being true or admitted, the conclusion follows, that A B deserves punishment.

While the premises stand firm, it is impossible to shake the conclusion. Dr. H. More.

3. pl. (Law) Matters previously stated or set forth; esp., that part in the beginning of a deed, the office of which is to express the grantor and grantee, and the land or thing granted or conveyed, and all that precedes the habendum; the thing demised or granted.

4. pl. A piece of real estate; a building and its adjuncts; as, to lease premises; to trespass on another's premises.

PremisePre*mise" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Premised (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Premising.] [From L. praemissus, p. p., or E. premise, n. See Premise, n.]
1. To send before the time, or beforehand; hence, to cause to be before something else; to employ previously. [Obs.]

The premised flames of the last day. Shak.

If venesection and a cathartic be premised. E. Darwin.

2. To set forth beforehand, or as introductory to the main subject; to offer previously, as something to explain or aid in understanding what follows; especially, to lay down premises or first propositions, on which rest the subsequent reasonings.

I premise these particulars that the reader may know that I enter upon it as a very ungrateful task. Addison.

PremisePre*mise" (?), v. i. To make a premise; to set forth something as a premise. Swift.