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usurp |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Usurp \U*surp"\, v. i. To commit forcible seizure of place power, functions, or the like without right to commit unjust encroachments; to be or act as a usurper. The parish churches on which the Presbyterians and fanatics had usurped. --Evelyn. And now the Spirits of the Mind Are busy with poor Peter Bell; Upon the rights of visual sense Usurping, with a prevalence More terrible than magic spell. --Wordsworth. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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 Alack, thou dost usurp authority. --Shak. Another revolution, to get rid of this illegitimate and usurped government, would of course be perfectly justifiable. --Burke. Note: Usurp is applied to seizure and use of office, functions, powers, rights, etc.; it is not applied to common dispossession of private property. Syn: To arrogate; assume; appropriate. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: usurp v : take control of take as one's right or possession; "He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town"; "he usurped my rights" [syn: {assume}, {take over}, {arrogate}]
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