Dic: assume (as a meaning of take on or put on)

• This matter has assumed considerable importance. 
• In the story the god assumes the form of an eagle.
• In his dreams, the mountains assumed enormous importance.
• "The god assumes a human form" (John Ruskin).

OALD 3: assume something (formal) △ to begin to have a particular quality or appearance (= take on).
Cobuild 3: VERB △ If something assumes a particular quality, it begins to have that quality (= take on).
AMH 3 △ To take on; adopt:

CF.

• He assumed an air of concern.
• The queen assumed a velvet robe.

OALD 4: assume something (formal) △ to pretend to have a particular feeling or quality (= put on)
AMH 4 △ To put on; don:
AMH 5 △ To affect the appearance or possession of; feign.