Definition of: premise

(prem′is) noun
1. A proposition laid down, proved, supposed, or assumed, that serves as a ground for argument or for a conclusion; a judgment leading to another judgment as a conclusion.
2. Logic Either of the two propositions in a syllogism from which, their truth being granted, the conclusion necessarily follows.
3. plural Law a Foregoing statements; facts previously stated. b That part in a deed that sets forth the date, names of parties, the land or thing conveyed or granted, the consideration, and all other matters down to the phrase “to have and to hold.”
4. plural A distinct portion of real estate; land or lands; land with its appurtenances, as buildings: He lingered about the premises. Also prem′iss.
—major premise Logic The premise in which the predicate of the conclusion of a syllogism, called the major term, is contained; the first proposition of a syllogism.
—minor premise Logic The premise in which the subject of the conclusion of a syllogism, called the minor term, is contained; the second proposition of a syllogism.
—pre·mise (pri·mīz′, prem′is) v. ·mised, ·mis·ing v.t.
1. To stay or state beforehand, as by way of introduction or explanation.
2. To state or assume as a premise or basis of argument.
3. Obs. To send in advance.
—v.i.
4. To make a premise. [<OF premisse <Med. L praemissa, orig. fem. of L praemissus, pp. of praemittere send before <prae- before + mittere send]