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 which is a usurpation upon the general government. O. Ellsworth.
Manifest usurpation on the rights of other States. D. 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.
2. Use; usage; custom. Bp. Pearson.