\As*sump"tion\ (?; 215), n. [OE. assumpcioun a taking
up into heaven, L. assumptio a taking, fr. assumere: cf. F.
assomption. See {Assume}.]
1. The act of assuming, or taking to or upon one's self; the
   act of taking up or adopting.
         The assumption of authority.          --Whewell.
2. The act of taking for granted, or supposing a thing
   without proof; supposition; unwarrantable claim.
         This gives no sanction to the unwarrantable
         assumption that the soul sleeps from the period of
         death to the resurrection of the body. --Thodey.
         That calm assumption of the virtues.  --W. Black.
3. The thing supposed; a postulate, or proposition assumed; a
   supposition.
         Hold! says the Stoic; your assumption's wrong.
                                               --Dryden.
4. (Logic) The minor or second proposition in a categorical
   syllogism.
5. The taking of a person up into heaven. Hence: (Rom. Cath.
   & Greek Churches) A festival in honor of the ascent of the
   Virgin Mary into heaven.