\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.
Note: 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.