the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. The act of abdicating; the renunciation of a high office, dignity, or trust, by its holder; commonly the voluntary renunciation of sovereign power.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. The act of abdicating; the giving up of an office, power or authority, right or trust, etc.; renunciation; especially, the laying down of a sovereignty hitherto inherent in the person or in the blood.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. the act of abdicating
n. a formal resignation and renunciation of powers
Word Usage
"Probably a primary false note in this tragedy was his abdication from a prestigious New York law organisation given a white cabinet partial of insulted him."