PREMISS • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Premiss

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noun

Premise n. (pl. premises) (Written also, less properly, premiss)

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."

2.

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

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.

Premiss n. Premise.

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Etymology of 'Premiss'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Premiss" Quotes from Famous Books

... point. "Considering that Mazeppa was sprung of a race which in moments of excitement, when an enemy has stamped upon its vitals, springs up to repel the attack, it was only to be expected that he should sink beneath the blow—and sink he did." The conclusion is at variance with the premiss.] ...

— The Works of Lord Byron, Volume 4 • Lord Byron

... the major premiss of this syllogism is inadmissible for two reasons: in the first place, it is assumed that known mind can only be caused by unknown mind; and, in the second place, even if this assumption were granted, it would not explain ...

— A Candid Examination of Theism • George John Romanes

... longest. Had it contented itself with the mere discussion of minor points, with here and there a quibble about a miracle or a prophecy, we could excuse many of its vagaries on the score of enthusiasm. But its premiss was, "We will accept nothing between the two lids of this Book if our Reason cannot fathom it." Hence, all truth, every book of the Bible, even the sacraments of the church, came in for their share ...

— History of Rationalism Embracing a Survey of the Present State of Protestant Theology • John F. Hurst

... are samples of self-evident logical principles, but are not really more fundamental or more self-evident than various other similar principles: for instance, the one we considered just now, which states that what follows from a true premiss is true. The name 'laws of thought' is also misleading, for what is important is not the fact that we think in accordance with these laws, but the fact that things behave in accordance with them; in other words, the fact ...

— The Problems of Philosophy • Bertrand Russell

... truth with the patient energy, the wariness, and the conscience, with the sharpened instruments, the systematic apparatus, and the minute feelers and tentacles of the genuine thinker and solid reasoner, he only floated languidly on a summer tide of sensation, and captured premiss and conclusion in a succession of swoons. It would be a mistake to contend that no work can be done for the world by this method, or that truth only comes to those who chase her with logical forceps. ...

— Rousseau - Volumes I. and II. • John Morley

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