from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Occupation \Oc`cu*pa"tion\, n. [L. occupatio: cf. F.
occupation.]
1. The act or process of occupying or taking possession;
actual possession and control; the state of being
occupied; a holding or keeping; tenure; use; as, the
occupation of lands by a tenant.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which occupies or engages the time and attention.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
3. Specfically: The principal business of one's life; the
principal work by which one earns one's livelihood;
vocation; employment; profession; calling; trade;
avocation; as, these days many people continue to practice
their occupation well into their seventies.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
Absence of occupation is not rest. --Cowper.
[1913 Webster]
{Occupation bridge} (Engin.), a bridge connecting the parts
of an estate separated by a railroad, a canal, or an
ordinary road.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Occupancy; possession; tenure; use; employment;
avocation; engagement; vocation; calling; office; trade;
profession.
[1913 Webster]