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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Usurp \U*surp"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Usurped;
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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. [1913 Webster] Alack, thou dost usurp authority. --Shak. [1913 Webster] Another revolution, to get rid of this illegitimate and usurped government, would of course be perfectly justifiable. --Burke. [1913 Webster] Note: Usurp is applied to seizure and use of office, functions, powers, rights, etc.; it is not applied to common dispossession of private property. [1913 Webster] Syn: To arrogate; assume; appropriate. [1913 Webster]