Assumpsit

noun

1. An agreement or promise made orally or in writing not under seal; a contract.
2. A legal action seeking compensation for the nonperformance of a contract that was not officially approved or recorded.
3. In <em>law</em>: An action lying for the recovery of damages sustained through the breach of a simple contract (that is, a promise not under seal), in which the plaintiff alleges that the defendant <em>assumpsit</em>, that is, promised or undertook, to perform the act specified. Hence— An actionable promise, express or implied by law.
4. A promise or undertaking, founded on a consideration. This promise may be oral or in writing not under seal. It may be express or implied.
5. An action to recover damages for a breach or nonperformance of a contract or promise, express or implied, oral or in writing not under seal. Common or <ex>indebitatus assumpsit</ex> is brought for the most part on an implied promise. Special <ex>assumpsit</ex> is founded on an express promise or undertaking.