premise

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 ]