Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Usurpation?

\U`sur*pa"tion\, n. [L. usurpatio ? 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. Note: 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.