Category:Usurpation

U`sur*pa"tion, n. Etym: [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.