poet. [f. L. ūsurpāt-, ppl. stem of ūsurpāre to usurp, + -URE.] Usurpation. Also transf.
The stressing (usu·rpature) given in various Dicts. from 1884 is not borne out by the quots.
1845. Browning, Flight of Duchess, xiv. Her step kept pace with mine nor faltered, As if age had foregone its usurpature.
1860. Ld. Lytton, Lucile, II. iv. § 7. 65. Something superior;… from my innermost nature Not wholly expell’d by the world’s usurpature.
1869. Browning, Ring & Bk., XII. 5. Up and up roared and soared A rocket, till the key o’ the vault was reached, And wide heaven held … In brilliant usurpature.
