The Collaborative International Dictionary
Presumptive \Pre*sump"tive\, a. [Cf. F. pr['e]somptif.]
Based on presumption or probability; grounded on probable evidence; probable; as, presumptive proof.
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Presumptuous; arrogant. [R.]
--Sir T. Browne.Presumptive evidence (Law), that which is derived from circumstances which necessarily or usually attend a fact, as distinct from direct evidence or positive proof; indirect or circumstantial evidence. ``Presumptive evidence of felony should be cautiously admitted.''
--Blackstone. The distinction, however, between direct and presumptive (or circumstantial) evidence is now generally abandoned; all evidence being now more or less direct and more or less presumptive.Presumptive heir. See Heir presumptive, under Heir.
Usage examples of "presumptive evidence".
Starting the internal exam, he immediately came across strong presumptive evidence that substantiated his belief.
This is presumptive evidence of a strong emotional attachment, perhaps a sexual obsession, and, God forbid, love.
In a memorable case, the Caliph Omar decided that all presumptive evidence was of no avail.
The effect of this law then is, to make what, in its nature, is only presumptive evidence of a murder conclusive of that fact.
The first was a short paragraph in the local newspaper, which, beyond making by a methodizing pen formidable presumptive evidence of Troy’.
We know that Urvon's army has largely disbanded, and there's fairly strong presumptive evidence that Ur-von is dead.
We know that Urvon's army has largely disbanded, and there's fairly strong presumptive evidence that Urvon is dead.
If people agreed with them, well and good: it afforded strong presumptive evidence of their sanity.