%co-optation%

n. [ L. cooptatio. ] The act of choosing; selection; choice. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The first election and cooptation of a friend. Howell. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. the selection of a new member (usually by a vote of the existing membership). See co-opt{ 2 }.
Syn. -- co-option. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

3. the act of appointing summarily (with or without the appointee's consent).
Syn. -- co-option. [ WordNet 1.5 ]