'Usurpation' definitions:

Definition of 'usurpation'

(from WordNet)
noun
Entry to another's property without right or permission [syn: trespass, encroachment, violation, intrusion, usurpation]
noun
Wrongfully seizing and holding (an office or powers) by force (especially the seizure of a throne or supreme authority); "a succession of generals who ruled by usurpation"

Definition of 'Usurpation'

From: GCIDE
  • Usurpation \U`sur*pa"tion\, n. [L. usurpatio ? making use, usurpation: cf. F. usurpation.] [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster] [1913 Webster]
  • He contrived their destruction, with the usurpation of the regal dignity upon him. --Sir T. More. [1913 Webster]
  • A law [of a State] which is a usurpation upon the general government. --O. Ellsworth. [1913 Webster]
  • Manifest usurpation on the rights of other States. --D. Webster. [1913 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Use; usage; custom. [Obs.] --Bp. Pearson. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Usurpation'