† usurpn.
Obsolete. rare.
Usurpation.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > accession or entering upon office or authority > [noun] > wrongful assumption of office or authority
usurpmenta1470
usurpation1470
usurping1521
usurpa1647
self-assumptiona1658
accroaching1659
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > [noun] > appropriation > without right
presumptiona1387
usurpationc1420
presumptuositya1450
usurpmenta1470
usurping1521
usurpa1647
usurpature1845
society > law > rule of law > lawlessness > specific offences > [noun] > illegal assumption of authority
presumptuositya1450
usurpmenta1470
usurpation1470
usurping1521
presumption1565
usurpa1647
rebuttable presumption1837
a1647 T. Habington Surv. Worcs. (Worcs. Hist. Soc.) (1895) I. iii. 540 The Normans, who overcame them with the vsurp of the Crowne.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
usurpv.
/juːˈzəːp/, /jᵿˈzəːp/, /juːˈsəːp/, /jᵿˈsəːp/, U.S. /juˈsərp/, /juˈzərp/ I. To appropriate or seize wrongfully or forcibly, and related uses.† 3. To take or hold possession of (something belonging to another or others) by sleight or force; to appropriate by ruse or violence; to steal.figurative and in extended use.a1425 tr. Arderne's Treat. Fistula 30 Any oþer witty man perceyuyng his werk mow vsurpe it to hymself.1603 W. Shakespeare Hamlet i. i. 44 What art thou that thus vsurps the state.1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xvi. 28 To thee womans seruices are dew My foote vsurps my body. View more context for this quotationa1637 B. Jonson Timber 740 in Wks. (1640) III Their owne fox-like thefts..are so ranke, as a man may find whole pages together usurp'd from one Author.† 5. To exercise, practise, or inflict (injury, cruelty, etc.); to put into act, impose. Occasionally const. on, towards. Also transferred. Obsolete. rare.in extended use.1822 P. B. Shelley Hellas 15 O! miserable dawn, after a night More glorious than the day which it usurp'd.
1. figurative and in extended use.a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. vii. sig. S4 So ougly a darkenesse..vsurped the dayes right.1634 J. Ford Chron. Hist. Perkin Warbeck ii. sig. D4v Tis our pleasure To giue our Cosen Yorke for wife our kinswoman The Ladie Katherine: Instinct of soveraigntie Designes the honor, though her peevish Father Vsurps our Resolution.figurative and in extended use.a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iii. i. 359 To..vsurpe the beggerie hee was neuer borne to. View more context for this quotation1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 421 So he dies, But soon revives, Death over him no power Shall long usurp . View more context for this quotation1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature 24 The bridle will be usurped by those appetites which it is a principal part of all religion..to curb.1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 249 The world grown old,..Peruses closely the true Christian's face,..Usurps God's office, lays his bosom bare.1799 R. Sickelmore Agnes & Leonora II. 195 In the silent hours of retirement reflection usurped the empire of the leaden god.1839 Sigourney Lett. to Mothers xv The worldly and common trains of thought, which usurp dominion over us.1857 J. Toulmin Smith Parish (new ed.) 119 Too much inter~meddling from the Home Office has been allowed to be gradually usurped.
a. transitive. To appropriate wrongfully to oneself (a right, prerogative, etc.). †Also const. against, upon.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > be morally improper for [verb (transitive)] > obtain or hold wrongfully
usurpa1325
encroach?a1400
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > appropriate > without right or usurp > rights or privileges
usurpa1325
a1325 Statutes of Realm in MS Rawl. B.520 f. 56v Ȝif þe Eir mid wronge vsurped þe seisine of Eldere þoru deseisine.
1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles iii. 257 To vsurpe þe service þat to sages bilongith, To be-come conselleris er þey kunne rede.
1569 J. Sanford tr. H. C. Agrippa Of Vanitie Artes & Sci. 154 b Apicius more then all others haue vsurped ye glory and fame of this arte.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 18 [He] sould have usurpat all honnour riches and authoritie.
1596 Raigne of Edward III sig. A4 Tell him the Crowne that hee vsurpes, is myne. View more context for this quotation
1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Hhh2 Quowarranto..A writ that lyeth against him, which vsurpeth any Frawnchis or libertie against the king.
1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Polit. Touch-stone (1674) 277 That pretence of Right, which the violence of the Sword hath usurp'd upon other mens Estates.
a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 346 They were fain to usurp the Right of his Cause, to justify their own.
1709 J. Strype Ann. Reformation xiv. 187 The people by a great consent usurped them [sc. favours] to themselves.
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Iliad in Iliad & Odyssey I. i. 624 Him with shame The King of men hath overwhelm'd, by force Usurping his just meed.
1813 P. B. Shelley Queen Mab vi. 83 The almighty fiend, Whose name usurps thy honors.
1838 E. Bulwer-Lytton Leila i. ii. 14 My uncle..usurped my birthright.
b. esp. To intrude forcibly, illegally, or without just cause into (some dignified or important office, position, etc.); to assume or arrogate to oneself (political power, rule, authority, etc.) by force; to claim unjustly.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > accession or entering upon office or authority > take office [verb (transitive)] > take office wrongfully
presumec1390
usurp1447
usurpate1542
society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > be morally improper for [verb (transitive)] > infringe or encroach on
attaina1382
pinchc1400
accroach1423
usurp1447
to usurp on or upon1493
invade?1521
encroachc1534
jetc1590
enjamb1600
to trench on or upon1622
trench1631
trample1646
to gain on or upon1647
trespass1652
impose1667
impinge1758
infringe1769
1447 O. Bokenham Lyvys Seyntys (1835) 28 Andronicus..be tyranny Usurpyd the pryncehood of that plas.
c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 28 Þo þat vsurpyn of newe tyme þe kepyng or þe amonicyoun of ony cherch in tyme of voydaunce.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. lxx. f. xxvv He..vsurpyd the Rule and domynyon of the lande.
1538 C. Tunstall Serm. Palme Sondaye (1823) 5 Wherfore he [sc. Christ] dyd not vsurpe equalitie vnto god, but [etc.].
1598 R. Barret Theorike & Pract. Mod. Warres iv. 103 To vsurpe the preheminence, which onely is due to the Camp-Master.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxviii. 162 The acts of power usurped,..are not acts of publique Authority.
1681 H. Neville Plato Redivivus 34 Either to usurp Tyranny over his own Country, or to lead men forth to..subdue another.
1729 T. Innes Crit. Ess. Anc. Inhabitants Scotl. I. 21 Carausius..usurped the empire in Britain towards the end of the third century.
1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 166. ⁋5 Eager to usurp the station to which he has no right.
1836 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece III. 245 Cleon..did not wish to usurp the functions of Nicias.
1848 H. H. Wilson Hist. Brit. India 1805–35 III. vi. 280 To set aside the local government, and usurp an independent and paramount authority.
1891 Pall Mall Gaz. 9 Oct. 2/1 Mr. Parnell repeated..—‘You attempted to put the resolution and usurp my authority as chairman’.
2. figurative and in extended use.1592 Arden of Feversham i. 99 Sweete Mosbie is the man that hath my hart: And he vsurpes it.1593 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis sig. E Whereat a suddain pale..Vsurpes her cheeke. View more context for this quotation1633 G. Herbert Bunch of Grapes in Temple i One aire of thoughts usurps my brain.a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1656 (1955) III. 181 Blasphemous & Ignorant Mechanics usurping the Pulpets every where.1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey V. xx. 430 Universal night usurps the pole!1807 J. Barlow Columbiad ii. 70 Ere..Memphian pyramids usurp'd the skies.1841 R. W. Emerson Love in Ess. 1st Ser. (London ed.) 172 The proportion which this topic of personal relations usurps in the conversation of society.
a. To seize or obtain possession of (territory, land, etc.) in an unjust or illegal manner; to assume unjust rule, dominion, or authority over, to appropriate wrongfully. Also const. on, upon (= against), over.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > appropriate > without right or usurp
fornimOE
crochec1380
presume1387
encroach?a1400
usurpc1400
wrestc1426
accroach?a1439
supplant1483
usurpa1513
usurpate1542
arrogate1573
to usurp on or upon1594
invade1617
society > law > rule of law > lawlessness > specific offences > [verb (transitive)] > wrongfully seize or occupy
disseisec1330
usurpc1400
oust1420
purpress1500
disseisin1548
invade1617
redisseise1628
society > law > rule of law > lawlessness > specific offences > [verb (intransitive)] > invade rights or damage > practise illegal seizure against a person
usurpc1400
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) 145 He..usurped the Lond, and helde it to himself, and cleped him Emperour of Trapazond.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1869) II. 103 The Danes vsurpede the realme of Estenglonde.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 224 b/1 By cause that he wold usurpe to hym self hys herytage.
1507 Reg. Privy Seal Scotl. I. 208/2 Gif ony of thaim occupiis and usurpis ony part of the kingis propir lands.
1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin vii. 358 To reconquer to the sea Apostolike, all those places..that had bene vsurped vpon the Church.
1598 R. Hakluyt tr. S. Munster in Princ. Navigations (new ed.) I. 147 The cities adhearing vnto the king vsurped diuers Castles belonging to the Master, tooke certain..knightes.
1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures iv. 11 Having usurped the town of Goa upon him.
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 223 That Church..was usurped by the Turks, and serves them..for their chief Mosque.
a1721 M. Prior Cromwell & Porter in Dialogues of Dead in Wks. (1907) II. 267 The three Kingdoms You Usurped.
1809 W. Bawdwen tr. Domesday Bk. 2 Walden usurped two houses of Ketel the priest.
b. transferred. To occupy or take the place of, physically; to encroach or trench upon.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > move beyond > encroach physically
winc1440
encroach1578
usurp1635
to usurp on or upona1658
to eat outa1716
infringe1769
1635 F. Quarles Emblemes i. ii. 10 The white-mouth'd Water now usurpes the Shore.
1687 J. Dryden Hind & Panther iii. 121 A just Reprise would only be Of what the Land usurp'd upon the Sea.
1765 O. Goldsmith Traveller (ed. 2) 15 The firm connected bulwark [= dyke of Holland] seems to go; Spreads its long arms amidst the watry roar,..and usurps the shore.
1817 Ld. Byron Manfred iii. iv. 69 Ivy usurps the laurel's place of growth.
1841 T. R. Jones Gen. Outl. Animal Kingdom xxx. 730 The placenta completely usurps the place of the allantois.
c. Of feelings, passions, etc.: to take possession of, occupy, or assume predominance in (the mind, bosom, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > passion > affect with passion or strong emotion [verb (transitive)] > overwhelm with strong emotion
overcomeeOE
overseteOE
overtakea1400
overwhelm1535
entrance1598
usurp1749
1749 T. Smollett Regicide v. viii. 75 Distemper'd Passion..Usurp'd my troubled Bosom.
1798 J. Ferriar Illustr. Sterne 282 When frenzy and imposture usurp the regard.
1824 T. Campbell Theodric 490 Alarm..now usurp'd his brain.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. xviii. 138 The object which seemed to usurp the undivided attention of our party.
d. to usurp the place of, in figurative uses.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > supplanting or replacement > take the place of or replace [verb (intransitive)]
to stand for ——lOE
to give steadc1340
to stand in a person's stead?a1515
to do (obs.), fill, serve, supply the stead of1558
to fill the room of1562
to usurp the place of1574
suppullulate1601
to stead upa1616
to take the place ofa1616
succenturiate1630
act1651
succeed1692
to do duty1825
1574 J. Baret Aluearie I Introd. sig. Kk.i Concerning I consonant, which oftentimes vniustly vsurpeth the sounde and place of g.
1739 Bp. J. Butler Serm. in Wks. (1874) II. 229 True religion takes up that place in the mind, which superstition would usurp.
1781 W. Cowper Table Talk 320 When tumult..usurp'd authority's just place.
1863 J. G. Holland Lett. to Joneses xix. 271 The love of party has always usurped the place of the love of Country.
1879 H. Phillips Addit. Notes upon Coins 5 Copper began to usurp the place of other metals.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > steal [verb (transitive)]
pick?c1300
takec1300
fetch1377
bribec1405
usurpc1412
rapc1415
to rap and rendc1415
embezzle1495
lifta1529
pilfer1532
suffurate1542
convey?1545
mill1567
prig1567
strike1567
lag1573
shave1585
knave1601
twitch1607
cly1610
asport1621
pinch1632
snapa1639
nap1665
panyar1681
to carry off1684
to pick up1687
thievea1695
to gipsy away1696
bone1699
make1699
win1699
magg1762
snatch1766
to make off with1768
snavel1795
feck1809
shake1811
nail1819
geach1821
pull1821
to run off1821
smug1825
nick1826
abduct1831
swag1846
nobble1855
reef1859
snig1862
find1865
to pull off1865
cop1879
jump1879
slock1888
swipe1889
snag1895
rip1904
snitch1904
pole1906
glom1907
boost1912
hot-stuff1914
score1914
clifty1918
to knock off1919
snoop1924
heist1930
hoist1931
rabbit1943
to rip off1967
to have off1974
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > plagiarism > plagiarize [verb (transitive)]
usurpc1412
steal1544
plagiarize1660
book-pad1685
pirate1706
cabbage1773
crib1778
lift1885
plunder1896
c1412–20 J. Lydgate tr. Hist. Troy v. 73 Þat he þis relik reioisshe shulde of riȝt, Be sleiȝte wonne.., And vsurpeth, be maner of avaunt.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope ii. xviii I beleue wel that thow hast vsurped and robbed som thynge.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxlijv The reuenewes of some they haue vsurped already.
1620 N. Brent tr. P. Sarpi Hist. Councel of Trent i. 100 The Ecclesiasticall goods should not be vsurped.
1643 J. Burroughes Expos. Prophesie Hosea First Three Chapters 375 As a man that hath his goods taken away from him usurped.
4. figurative and in extended use.1601 B. Jonson Every Man in his Humor v. i. sig. L3v Which suit..I put on, and vsurping your mans phrase & action, caried a message to Signior Thorello in your name. View more context for this quotation1744 Harl. Misc. I. 66 To Prince and People, that usurp unlawful Methods to accomplish their unjust Intentions.1781 W. Cowper Table Talk 637 [To] claim the palm for purity of song, That lewdness had usurp'd and worn so long.1813 P. B. Shelley Queen Mab ix. 115 The old thorn..Usurped the royal ensign's grandeur.
a. To make use of (something not properly belonging to one or one's estate); to use or employ wrongfully.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > be morally improper for [verb (transitive)] > use or employ wrongfully
usurpc1412
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > misuse > [verb (transitive)] > use for wrongful purposes > misappropriate > use something not belonging to one
usurpc1412
c1412 T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum 440 Certes to blame ben þe lordes grete,..þat hir men lete Vsurpe swiche a lordly apparaille.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. cxiiij Beside this, she vsurped a cote of arms.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball 727 The barke of..Sorbus..is in some places wrongfully vsurped..for the diseases of the milte.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iv. iii. 106 His heeles haue deseru'd it, in vsurping his spurres so long. View more context for this quotation
1661 A. Sparrow Rationale Bk. Common Prayer (new ed.) A 6 Learned Jews from that time, usurp the same partition of Chapters on the Old Testament.
1713 J. Addison Cato iv. i Who's this that dares usurp The Guards and Habits of Numidia's Prince?
1831 W. Scott Count Robert iii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. I. 107 A portrait of Alexander, in executing which, some inferior dauber has usurped the pencil of Apelles.
b. To assume or claim (a name or title) unduly as one's own; to arrogate or take to oneself. Also simply, to assume, bear.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > be morally improper for [verb (transitive)] > claim unduly
presume of1415
arrogate1537
assume1548
usurp1549
misclaim1746
1549 W. Thomas Hist. Italie f. 15v Theyr owne priuate capitaines enterprised many tymes not onely to rebell, but also to vsurpe the name of emperours.
1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Eng. 202/1 in Chron. I Euery one..sought..to vsurp ye title of King.
1593 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis sig. Fv Call it not loue, for loue to heauen is fled, Since sweating lust on earth vsurpt his name. View more context for this quotation
1611 T. Heywood Golden Age iii. sig. F4 Let that Clime henceforth Be cal'd Arcadia, and vsurpe thy name.
1676 J. Dryden Aureng-Zebe iv. 81 The noble Arimant usurp'd my name.
1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. 58 The name..of Orator was usurped by the sophists.
1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 319 He that has not usurp'd the name of man.
1883 Notices Proc. Royal Inst. Great Brit. 10 381 The name of claymore (commonly usurped by the much later basket-hilted pattern).
c. To take (a word or words) into use; to borrow or appropriate from another language, source, etc.; to employ, use.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > linguistic unit > use or formation of new words or phrases > [verb (transitive)] > borrow from another language
usurp1531
adopt1663
borrow1706
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour i. xxii. sig. Liv Of them two [sc. ‘celeritie’ and ‘slownesse’] springeth an excellent vertue; where vnto we lacke a name in englisshe. Wherfore I am constrained to vsurpe a latine worde callyng it Maturitie.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 56 [The word] stadium..is vsurped, for a place where men exercise ther horse, ronnyng a rase.
1573 J. Daus tr. H. Bullinger Hundred Serm. vpon Apocalipse (rev. ed.) f. 254v And these wordes haue more grace in ours and other straunge languages, vsurped than translated. So haue remayned in the Church, Osanna, Amen [etc.].
1602 B. Jonson Poetaster iii. i. sig. D3v White, is there vsurpt for her brow. View more context for this quotation
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης xii. 126 He usurps a common saying, That it is Kingly to doe well and heare ill.
1690 W. Leybourn Cursus mathematicus 347 ddd is..there usurped for ggc.
a1856 W. Hamilton Lect. Metaphysics (1859) I. xi. 197 The[se] Latin terms..were very rarely usurped in their present psychological meaning.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > adversity > suffer (adversity or affliction) [verb (transitive)] > inflict (adversity) on or upon
teenOE
wait1303
visita1382
show1483
usurpc1485
prejudge1531
pull1550
apply1558
inflict1594
to put through the mangle1924
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 125 It is..honest..to oppos..all jniure or violence vnlauchfully vsurpit.
1583 T. Stocker tr. Tragicall Hist. Ciuile Warres Lowe Countries iii. 103 b Usurping on them all kinde of crueltie, and warlike licence.
1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 139 [State laws] are usurp'd on helpless Woman-kind, Made without our Consent, and wanting Pow'r to bind.
6. To supplant, oust, or turn out (a person); †to deprive (one) of possessions. Also reflexive. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (transitive)] > expel > specific people from a place, position, or possession
outshoveOE
to do out of ——OE
shovec1200
to put out of ——c1225
to cast out1297
void13..
usurpa1325
to put outa1350
outputa1382
outrayc1390
excludea1400
expulse?a1475
expel1490
to shut forth1513
to put forth1526
to turn out1546
depel?1548
disseisin1548
evict1548
exturb1603
debout1619
wincha1626
disseise1627
out-pusha1631
howster1642
oust1656
out1823
purge1825
the bum's rush1910
outplace1928
the mind > possession > loss > taking away > take away [verb (transitive)] > dispossess
disseisec1320
disincreasec1374
disheritc1400
disappoint1434
unpossessc1449
forbanishc1450
dispoint1483
disemparec1500
usurp1512
defeat?1545
depose1558
devest1563
dispossess1565
disappropriate1610
disadvest1611
expropriate1611
dispropriate1613
dispropertya1616
disinvest1619
divest1648
unrobe1650
defarm1693
a1325 Statutes of Realm in MS Rawl. B.520 f. 56 Þoru þat he him vsurpede bi þoute iugement þoru his oune propre auctorite.
1512 Helyas in W. J. Thoms Coll. Early Prose Romances (1828) III. 91 The erle..wyllynge to usurpe her of her duchy.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) i. v. 179 Vio. Are you the Ladie of the house? Ol. If I do not vsurpe my selfe, I am. View more context for this quotation
1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue i. 194 No man shall dare or presume, to vsurpe or defraud one another in this kinde.
1890 Pall Mall Gaz. 9 Oct. (1891) 2/1 ‘How dare you, sir, attempt to usurp me in the chair?’ he [sc. Mr. Parnell] exclaimed.
II. To claim or seize without authority, and related uses.† 7. intransitive. To claim or make pretensions, to assume or attempt arrogantly, to be or do something. Obsolete.figurative.1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 1130 Sensual Appetite..Usurping over sovran Reason claimd Superior sway. View more context for this quotation1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 827 All fountaines of the Deep Broke up, shall heave the Ocean to usurp Beyond all bounds. View more context for this quotation1827 J. Keble Christian Year I. xxii. 88 Chaining to earth..Hearts that would highest else aspire, And o'er the tenderer sex usurping ever most.† 10. To take possession of a thing by usurpation; to become participator of. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > pretension to superiority > pretend to superiority [verb (intransitive)]
to make it goodlyc1325
usurpc1400
to take state upon one1597
to come over ——1600
to gentilize it1607
to state it1625
to give oneself airs1701
to put on airs1715
to mount (also ride) the high horse1782
to put on (the) dog1865
to get (also have) notions1866
to put on side1870
to have a roll on1881
to put (or pile) on lugs1889
side1890
to put on the Ritz1921
society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > be morally improper [verb (intransitive)] > claim unduly
usurpc1400
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) Prol. 2 I ne vsurpe nat to haue fownde this werk of my labour.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes viii. 772 This Karansynvs..Proudli vsurped to be ther gouernour.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes ix. 125 He gadred peeple, gan wexe a werreiour, Ageyn Heraclius,..And vsurped to ride in tho cuntres.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 204/4 To be crucyfyed upryght I haue not usurped.
1521 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 282 The said Dukes fader tooke upon hym and usurped to be king ageinst his elder broder.
8. To act or play the usurper; to rule or exercise authority as a usurper. Also const. over, against. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > [verb (intransitive)] > exercise usurped authority
usurpc1425
usurper1656
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession [verb (intransitive)] > appropriate > without right or usurp
usurpc1425
usurper1656
c1425 Wyntoun Cron. v. x. 2476 He..hald him of his part content, Vsurpand nocht oure his extent.
1477 T. Norton Ordinall of Alchimy v, in E. Ashmole Theatrum Chem. Britannicum (1652) 67 When he usurpeth above equality.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. lxxiiii. f. xxvii Whenne he had reygned or more verely vsurped by the terme of .iiii. yeres.
c1585 R. Browne Answere to Cartwright 83 If any do usurpe, as traitors, against her maiesty.
?1592 Trag. Solyman & Perseda sig. F1v Your Lord vsurps in all that he posesseth.
a1626 F. Bacon Elements Common Lawes (1630) 2 So if I be seised of an advouson in gross, and an vsurpation bee had against mee, and at the next avoidance I vsurpe arere, I shall be remitted.
1640 W. Habington Hist. Edward IV 224 The house of Lancaster usurping against Edward.
1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius War with Vandals i. 9 in tr. Procopius Hist. Warres Justinian Basiliscus..attempted to usurp, and prevailed... And Basiliscus usurped a year and eight months.
a1733 Raymond Reports (1743) 954 Though he afterwards usurp and die, and the advowson descend to his heir.
9. to usurp on or upon:figurative.1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. iii. x. 606 The motions of love, which I felt to vsurpe vpon me.1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles xii. 80 Death may vsurpe on Nature many howers, and yet The fire of life kindle againe the ore-prest spirits. View more context for this quotationin extended use.1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor Dram. Pers. sig. Aiv Shift. A Thredbare Sharke..Hee vsurps vpon Cheats, Quarrels, & Robberies, which he neuer did.1654 G. Goddard in T. Burton Diary (1828) (modernized text) I. Introd. p. lxxxiii Whensoever any advantage offers itself, the one will usurp on the other, and..strive totally to subvert it.1670 H. Stubbe Plus Ultra 137 To prevent the Virtuosi from usurping upon my discoveries and intendments.1840 T. De Quincey Style in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. July 8/2 This tendency in political journals to usurp upon the practice of books.1870 J. R. Lowell My Study Windows 212 The unclean rites of Baal..usurp on the worship of the one only True and Pure.figurative and in extended use.1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus iii. i. 267 This sorrow is an enemie, And would vsurpe vpon my watrie eies. View more context for this quotationa1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Langs. & Relig. (1614) ii. 8 At this day, the Greeke tongue is very much decayed..in..the West, the naturall languages of the countries haue vsurped vpon it.1622 E. Waller On Danger His Majesty Escaped 86 The loud winds usurping on the main.a1639 S. Marmion Antiquary (1641) i. i Usurp then on the proffer'd means, Show yourself forward in an action.1709 D. Manley Secret Mem. (ed. 2) II. 223 Her killing Eyes now seem'd to lay aside their Darts: Languishments usurp'd upon the Fire.a1859 T. De Quincey Posthumous Wks. (1893) II. 42 The heart of stone had usurped upon the heart of flesh.
a. To practise usurpation upon, to commit illegal seizure or action against (a person or persons).
ΚΠ
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur i. iii. 39 Kyng Vther felle seke.., And in the meane whyle hys enemyes Vsurpped vpon hym.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 769/2 Howe longe it is sythe he began first to usurpe upon you.
1576 Southampton Court Leet Rec. (1905) i. 138 His breethren doo vssurpe vppon the Comers vnto of this towne.
1640 W. Habington Hist. Edward IV 21 Women who usurpe on their husbands.
1677 tr. A.-N. Amelot de La Houssaie Hist. Govt. Venice 250 Popes..have usurped upon Seculars in the very power of suppressing of Heretical Books.
a1689 W. Watson Clergy-man's Law (1701) 85 If any other Person..doth usurp upon the Lessee.
1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 106 When any of the estates have usurped upon the others.
1889 J. R. Lowell Walton in Latest Ess. (1891) 77 When he speaks of himself he never seems to usurp on other people.
b. To encroach or infringe upon (a right, privilege, etc.); to arrogate to oneself unjustly.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > be morally improper for [verb (transitive)] > infringe or encroach on
attaina1382
pinchc1400
accroach1423
usurp1447
to usurp on or upon1493
invade?1521
encroachc1534
jetc1590
enjamb1600
to trench on or upon1622
trench1631
trample1646
to gain on or upon1647
trespass1652
impose1667
impinge1758
infringe1769
1493 in Acts Lords of Council Civil Causes (1839) I. 287/1 Vsurping apon þe fredomez & priuilegis of þe said burghe.
?1530 St. German's Dyaloge Doctoure & Student xxvi. f. lxxiiii They vsurpe vpon the popes authorytye.
1594 O. B. Questions Profitable Concernings 31 *b Such destroying fathers vsurped vpon the right.
1598 R. Dallington View of Fraunce sig. L 2v The Noblesse of Athens hauing vsurped vpon the Democratie of that City.
1643 S. Marshall Copy of Let. 25 It is most apparent that they have not usurped upon His Majesties Prerogative.
1684 T. Burnet Theory of Earth i. Ep. to King Those that would usurp upon the fundamental priviledge and birth-right of mankind.
1720 T. Gordon & J. Trenchard Independent Whig No. 16 It is..the highest Sacrilege to usurp upon this great Authority.
1771 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. II. 141 The commission..had usurped upon his authority.
1822 Monthly Mag. 53 333 This would..suffer Sweden and Prussia gradually to usurp on its Baltic ascendancy.
1868 Manning in Ess. Relig. & Lit. (1874) 3rd Ser. 12 The Saxon and the Norman kings gradually usurped upon the freedom of the Church by customs.
1879 M. Pattison Milton 123 Many matters, in which the old prelatic church had usurped upon the domain of the state.
c. To seize, intrude or lay hold upon (land, property, etc.) without right or just cause; to assume authority or domination over, to become superior to.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > appropriate > without right or usurp
fornimOE
crochec1380
presume1387
encroach?a1400
usurpc1400
wrestc1426
accroach?a1439
supplant1483
usurpa1513
usurpate1542
arrogate1573
to usurp on or upon1594
invade1617
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or overwhelm > specifically of things
to come over ——OE
accumberc1275
encumber1377
drown1398
overbear1535
to usurp on or upon1594
overact1649
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) 576 The Moores or Arabians,..usurping upon the maritime coasts of the Country, have built them places and Cities.
a1674 Earl of Clarendon Brief View Leviathan (1676) 160 When he usurp'd upon France with equal Tyranny.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1649 (1955) II. 552 The Parish Churches on which the Presbyterians & Fanatics had usurped.
d. To encroach upon physically. (Cf. sense 2b.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > move beyond > encroach physically
winc1440
encroach1578
usurp1635
to usurp on or upona1658
to eat outa1716
infringe1769
a1658 J. Cleveland Rustick Rampant in Wks. (1687) 447 The honest Husbandmen..repairs the Banks, but does not usurp upon the Stream.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > sharing > share [verb (transitive)]
dealOE
partc1330
skair1462
parten1508
usurpa1513
communicatea1530
participate1531
partake1563
impart1581
reciprocate1611
copart1613
share1613
to take share of (something)1678
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > appropriate > without right or usurp
fornimOE
crochec1380
presume1387
encroach?a1400
usurpc1400
wrestc1426
accroach?a1439
supplant1483
usurpa1513
usurpate1542
arrogate1573
to usurp on or upon1594
invade1617
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. lxxxixv He had vsurpyd of the comon grounde of ye Cytie in settynge of the sayd Towre.
1609 Bible (Douay) I. Josh. vii. 1 The children of Israel transgressed the commandment, and usurped of the anathema.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.a1647
v.a1325