- Usurping
- Usurp U*surp", v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Usurped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Usurping}.] [L. usurpare, usurpatum, to make use of, enjoy,
get possession of, usurp; the first part of usurpare is akin
to usus use (see {Use}, n.): cf. F. usurper.]
To seize, and hold in possession, by force, or without right;
as, to usurp a throne; to usurp the prerogatives of the
crown; to usurp power; to usurp the right of a patron is to
oust or dispossess him.
[1913 Webster]
Alack, thou dost usurp authority. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Another revolution, to get rid of this illegitimate and usurped government, would of course be perfectly justifiable. --Burke. [1913 Webster]
Note: Usurp is applied to seizure and use of office, functions, powers, rights, etc.; it is not applied to common dispossession of private property. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To arrogate; assume; appropriate. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
