n. (Logic), That premise of a syllogism that contains the major term (which is the predicate of the conclusion). Contrasted to minor premise. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n.; pl. Premises [ Written also, less properly, premiss. ] [ F. prémisse, fr. L. praemissus, p. p. of praemittere to send before; prae before + mittere to send. See Mission. ] 1. A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition. [ 1913 Webster ]

The premises observed,
Thy will by my performance shall be served. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Logic) Either of the first two propositions of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is drawn. [ 1913 Webster ]

“All sinners deserve punishment: A B is a sinner.” [ 1913 Webster ] These propositions, which are the premises, being true or admitted, the conclusion follows, that A B deserves punishment. [ 1913 Webster ]

While the premises stand firm, it is impossible to shake the conclusion. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. pl. A piece of real estate; a building and its adjuncts; as, to lease premises; to trespass on another's premises. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Premised p. pr. & vb. n. Premising. ] [ From L. praemissus, p. p., or E. premise, n. See Premise, n. ] 1. To send before the time, or beforehand; hence, to cause to be before something else; to employ previously. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The premised flames of the last day. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

If venesection and a cathartic be premised. E. Darwin. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To set forth beforehand, or as introductory to the main subject; to offer previously, as something to explain or aid in understanding what follows; especially, to lay down premises or first propositions, on which rest the subsequent reasonings. [ 1913 Webster ]

I premise these particulars that the reader may know that I enter upon it as a very ungrateful task. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To make a premise; to set forth something as a premise. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Remised p. pr. & vb. n. Remising. ] [ F. remise delivery, surrender, fr. remettre to put back, deliver, L. remittere. See Remit. ] To send, give, or grant back; to release a claim to; to resign or surrender by deed; to return. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Law) A giving or granting back; surrender; return; release, as of a claim. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A house for covered carriages; a chaise house. Sterne. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. A livery carriage of a kind superior to an ordinary fiacre; -- so called because kept in a remise. Cooper. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]