usurpation

n. [ L. usurpatio &unr_; 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 ]

☞ 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 ]