usurping

Usurp \U*surp"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Usurped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Usurping}.] [L. usurpare, usurpatum, to make use of, enjoy,
   get possession of, usurp; the first part of usurpare is akin
   to usus use (see {Use}, n.): cf. F. usurper.]
   To seize, and hold in possession, by force, or without right;
   as, to usurp a throne; to usurp the prerogatives of the
   crown; to usurp power; to usurp the right of a patron is to
   oust or dispossess him.
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         Alack, thou dost usurp authority.        --Shak.
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         Another revolution, to get rid of this illegitimate and
         usurped government, would of course be perfectly
         justifiable.                             --Burke.
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   Note: Usurp is applied to seizure and use of office,
         functions, powers, rights, etc.; it is not applied to
         common dispossession of private property.
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   Syn: To arrogate; assume; appropriate.
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