ABDICATION
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ABDICATIONABDICATION, government. 1. A simple renunciation of an office, generally
understood of a supreme office. James II. of England; Charles V. of Germany;and Christiana, Queen of Sweden, are said to have abdicated. When James IIIof England left the
kingdom, the Commons voted that he had abdicated thegovernment, and that thereby the throne had become vacant. The House ofLords preferred the word deserted, but the
Commons thought it notcomprehensive enough, for then, the king might have the liberty ofreturning. 2. When inferior magistrates decline or surrender their offices,they are said
to make a resignation. (q.v.)
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