[n. of action f. late L. expropriāre: see EXPROPRIATE. Cf. Fr. expropriation.] The action of expropriating.
† a. The action of giving up one’s whole property. Also the action of giving up control of. † b. Removal from the ownership or dominion of. c. The action of depriving (a person) of property; deprivation; an instance of this. d. The action of taking (property) out of the owner’s hands (esp. by public authority); an instance of this.
a. c. 1449. Pecock, Repr., V. v. 505. Ech religioun … in which is vow of expropriacioun.
1648. W. Mountague, Devout Ess., I. xix. § 2. 342. The expropriation of our Reason.
b. 1626. T. H[awkins], trans. Caussin’s Holy Crt., 353–4. Pouerty of affection, is an expropriation from the inordinate loue of terrene goods.
c. 1848. Mill, Pol. Econ., I. II. x. § 4. 390. A complete expropriation of the higher classes in Ireland.
1877. D. M. Wallace, Russia, ix. 142. The Proletariate has been formed chiefly by the expropriation of the peasantry or small landholders.
d. 1878. Lady Herbert, trans. Hübner’s Ramble, III. i. 460. The construction of public buildings, or expropriations, or sanitary improvements.
1880. W. M. Torrens, in 19th Cent., Nov., 774. Compulsory expropriation of property in towns is about the most invidious and expensive duty which a public body can be set to perform.
1889. King Milan, in Times, 20 Nov., 5/5. I must recognize that M. Vuitch has done his work very well, and particularly as regards the expropriation of the railways.
