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Webster 1913 Edition


Usurpation

Uˊsur-pa′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
usurpatio [GREEK]
making use, usurpation: cf. F.
usurpation
.]
1.
The act of usurping, or of seizing and enjoying; an authorized, arbitrary assumption and exercise of power, especially an infringing on the rights of others; specifically, the illegal seizure of sovereign power; – commonly used with of, also used with on or upon;
as, the
usurpation
of a throne; the
usurpation
of the supreme power
.
He contrived their destruction, with the
usurpation
of the regal dignity upon him.
Sir T. More.
A law [of a State] which is a
usurpation
upon the general government.
O. Ellsworth.
Manifest
usurpation
on the rights of other States.
D. Webster.
Usurpation, in a peculiar sense, formerly denoted the absolute ouster and dispossession of the patron of a church, by a stranger presenting a clerk to a vacant benefice, who us thereupon admitted and instituted.
2.
Use; usage; custom.
[Obs.]
Bp. Pearson.

Webster 1828 Edition


Usurpation

USURPA'TION

,
Noun.
[supra.] The act of seizing or occupying and enjoying the property of another, without right; as the usurpation of a throne; the usurpation of the supreme power. Usurpation, in a peculiar sense, denotes the absolute ouster and dispossession of the patron of a church, by presenting a clerk to a vacant benefice, who is thereupon admitted and instituted.

Definition 2024


usurpation

usurpation

English

Noun

usurpation (countable and uncountable, plural usurpations)

  1. The wrongful seizure of something by force, especially of sovereignty or other authority.
  2. Trespass onto another's property without permission.
  3. A taking or use without right.

Translations

Related terms


French

Noun

usurpation f (plural usurpations)

  1. usurpation (wrongful seizure)
  2. that which is usurped.