[ad. L. cooptātiōn-em election, n. of action f. cooptāre to COOPT.] Election to vacancies in a body by the votes of the existing members; formerly, also less definitely, = Election, choice, adoption.
1533. Bellenden, Livy, III. (1822), 299. Thir new tribunis in coaptacioun, and chesing of thare collegis, usit the counsel of the Faderis.
1600. Holland, Livy, IV. iv. 142. By cooptation and election into the number of the Nobles, as being chosen either by the favour and grace of the Kings, or els by the peoples voices after the Kings were expelled.
c. 1645. Howell, Lett., I. v. 25. This is true in the first election and co-optation of a friend.
1660. H. More, Myst. Godl., VII. ii. 283. By Judah according to warrant of Scripture is to be understood, not only the Tribe of Judah precisely, but what-ere accession or cooptation there was into that Tribe.
1818. Hallam, Mid. Ages (1872), I. 217. The first six kings of this dynasty procured the co-optation of their sons, by having them crowned during their own lives.
1875. Stubbs, Const. Hist., II. xvi. 327. The six electors added by cooptation fifteen others.
1883. M. Pattison, Mem. (1885), 74. The co-optation of fellows into the society, or corporation, of a college.
1888. Bryce, Amer. Commw., III. cii. 435. Boards … allowed to renew themselves by co-optation.
