v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Surmised p. pr. & vb. n. Surmising. ] To imagine without certain knowledge; to infer on slight grounds; to suppose, conjecture, or suspect; to guess. [ 1913 Webster ]

It wafted nearer yet, and then she knew
That what before she but surmised, was true. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

This change was not wrought by altering the form or position of the earth, as was surmised by a very learned man, but by dissolving it. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OF. surmise accusation, fr. surmettre, p. p. surmis, to impose, accuse; sur (see Sur-) + mettre to put, set, L. mittere to send. See Mission. ] 1. A thought, imagination, or conjecture, which is based upon feeble or scanty evidence; suspicion; guess; as, the surmises of jealousy or of envy. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ We ] double honor gain
From his surmise proved false. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

No man ought to be charged with principles he actually disowns, unless his practicies contradict his profession; not upon small surmises. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Reflection; thought. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Conjecture; supposition; suspicion; doubt. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who surmises. [ 1913 Webster ]