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Abdication - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Abdication : (noun)
1: a formal resignation and renunciation of powers [syn: stepping
down]
2: the act of abdicating [syn: stepping down]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Abdication : \Ab`di*ca"tion\, n. [L. abdicatio: cf. F.
abdication.]
The act of abdicating; the renunciation of a high office,
dignity, or trust, by its holder; commonly the voluntary
renunciation of sovereign power; as, abdication of the
throne, government, power, authority.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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ABDICATION, government. 1. A simple renunciation of an office, generally
understood of a supreme office. James II. of England; Charles V. of Germany;
and Christiana, Queen of Sweden, are said to have abdicated. When James III
of England left the kingdom, the Commons voted that he had abdicated the
government, and that thereby the throne had become vacant. The House of
Lords preferred the word deserted, but the Commons thought it not
comprehensive enough, for then, the king might have the liberty of
returning. 2. When inferior magistrates decline or surrender their offices,
they are said to make a resignation. (q.v.)
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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