co-optation

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

co-optation
    n 1: the selection of a new member (usually by a vote of the
         existing membership) [syn: {co-option}, {co-optation}]
    2: the act of appointing summarily (with or without the
       appointee's consent) [syn: {co-option}, {co-optation}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

co-optation \co-optation\, cooptation \co`["o]p*ta"tion\, n. [L.
   cooptatio.]
   The act of choosing; selection; choice. [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]

         The first election and cooptation of a friend.
                                                  --Howell.
   [1913 Webster]

   2. the selection of a new member (usually by a vote of the
      existing membership). See co-opt[2].

   Syn: co-option.
        [WordNet 1.5]

   3. the act of appointing summarily (with or without the
      appointee's consent).

   Syn: co-option.
        [WordNet 1.5]

from Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)

CO-OPTATION. A concurring choice. Sometimes applied to the act of the 
members of a corporation, in choosing a person to supply a vacancy. in their 
body.