USURPATIONS

Noun

usurpations

plural of usurpation

Source: Wiktionary


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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

22 April 2025

BRIGHT

(adjective) made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow; “bright silver candlesticks”; “a burnished brass knocker”; “she brushed her hair until it fell in lustrous auburn waves”; “rows of shining glasses”; “shiny black patents”


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Coffee Trivia

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