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Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Usurpation \U`sur*pa"tion\, n. [L. usurpatio ? 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] Note: Usurpation, in a peculiar sense,
formerly denoted the absolute ouster and dispossession of the
patron of a church, by a stranger presentin