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 [of a State] 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.
[Obs.]
Bp. Pearson.
© Webster 1913.