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. &fist;
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.
Hear it pronounced