usurpation

usurpation
    n 1: entry to another's property without right or permission
         [syn: {trespass}, {encroachment}, {violation}, {intrusion},
         {usurpation}]
    2: wrongfully seizing and holding (an office or powers) by force
       (especially the seizure of a throne or supreme authority); "a
       succession of generals who ruled by usurpation"
    

Usurpation \U`sur*pa"tion\, n. [L. usurpatio ? making use,
   usurpation: cf. F. usurpation.]
   [1913 Webster]
   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.
      [1913 Webster]
      [1913 Webster]

            He contrived their destruction, with the usurpation
            of the regal dignity upon him.        --Sir T. More.
      [1913 Webster]

            A law [of a State] which is a usurpation upon the
            general government.                   --O.
                                                  Ellsworth.
      [1913 Webster]

            Manifest usurpation on the rights of other States.
                                                  --D. Webster.
      [1913 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.
         [1913 Webster]

   2. Use; usage; custom. [Obs.] --Bp. Pearson.
      [1913 Webster]
    

USURPATION, torts. The unlawful assumption of the use of property which 
belongs to another; an interruption or the disturbing a man in his right and 
possession. Toml. Law Dict. h.t. 
     2. According to Lord Coke, there are two kinds of usurpation. 1. When a 
stranger, without right, presents to a church, and his clerk is admitted; 
and, 2. When a subject uses a franchise of the king without lawful 
authority. Co. Litt. 277 b. 
    

USURPATION, government. The tyrannical assumption of the government by force 
contrary to and in violation of the constitution of the country. 
    

43 Moby Thesaurus words for "usurpation":
      accession, adoption, anointing, anointment, appointment,
      appropriation, arrogation, assignment, assumption, authorization,
      colonization, conquest, consecration, coronation, delegation,
      deputation, election, empowerment, encroachment, enslavement,
      incursion, indent, infraction, infringement, inroad, intrusion,
      invasion, legitimate succession, occupation, overstepping,
      playing God, preemption, preoccupation, prepossession, requisition,
      seizure, subjugation, succession, takeover, taking over,
      transgression, trespass, trespassing