Abdication

Defined in 4 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Black's (1910), Burrill (1850), Bouvier (1839)

The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary

Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922

A renunciation; a putting away; a renunciation of the sovereignty by an incumbent thereof. James II. of England, Charles V. of Germany, and Christiana, Queen of Sweden, are said to have abdicated. When James II. of England left the 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. Also applied to the renunciation or surrender of any office, and in this sense it has been distinguished from "resignation," the latter being the giving up of an office to the appointing power from whom it was received, or who has the power to fill the vacancy, while abdication is the renunciation of an office which was conferred by act of law. See, however, 26 Barb. (N. Y.) 487.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

The act of a sovereign in renouncing and relinquishing his government or throne, so that either the throne is left entirely vacant or is filled by a successor appointed or elected beforehand. Also, where a magistrate or person in office voluntarily renounces or gives it up before the time of service has expired. It differs from resignation, in that resignation is made by one who has received his office from another and restores it into his hands, as an inferior into the hands of a superior; abdication is the relinquishment of an office which has devolved by act of law. It is said to be a renunciation, quitting, and relinquishing, so as to have nothing further to do with a thing or the doing of such actions as are inconsistent with the holding of it. Chambers.

A New Law Dictionary and Glossary

Alexander M. Burrill · 1850

[Lat. abdicatio, from abdicare, to renounce!] The renunciation or relinquishment of an office, either formally and expressly, or by actions inconsistent with the proper discharge of its duties. Commonly used to express the voluntary renunciation of supreme power. 1 Bl. Com. 211. 4 Id. 78. Termes de la ley.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States

John Bouvier · 1839

government. 1. A simple renunciation of an office, generally understood of a supreme othce. James II. of England; Charles V. of Germany; and Christiana, queen of Sweden, are said to have abdicated.—2. When inferior magistrates decline their offices, + they are said to make a resignation. im q- V-) ———_