\Pri*va"tion\, n. [L. privatio: cf. F. privation. See
{Private}.]
1. The act of depriving, or taking away; hence, the depriving
   of rank or office; degradation in rank; deprivation.
   --Bacon.
2. The state of being deprived or destitute of something,
   especially of something required or desired; destitution;
   need; as, to undergo severe privations.
3. The condition of being absent; absence; negation.
         Evil will be known by consequence, as being only a
         privation, or absence, of good.       --South.
         Privation mere of light and absent day. --Milton.