WordWeb Online

1. A statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
   - premiss, assumption

1. Set forth beforehand, often as an explanation
   "He premised these remarks so that his readers might understand"
    
2. Furnish with a preface or introduction
   - precede, preface, introduce
    
3. Take something as preexisting and given
   - premiss

Derived forms: premised, premises, premising

Type of: exposit, expound, posit, postulate, presuppose, say, set forth, state, suppose, tell

Encyclopedia: Premise