abdication

The story

1. Latin · borrowed fromabdicātiō“renunciation”
2. English todayabdication

First attested in 1552. From Latin abdicātiō (“renunciation”), from abdicō. By surface analysis, abdicate + -ion.

First known use, by meaning

• Attested from the mid 16ᵗʰ century until the mid 17ᵗʰ century. The act of disowning or disinheriting a child.
• First attested in the early 17ᵗʰ century. The act of abdicating; the renunciation of a high office, dignity, or trust, by its holder.
• First attested in the late 17ᵗʰ century. The voluntary renunciation of sovereign power.
• Attested only in the mid 18ᵗʰ century. The renunciation of interest in a property or a legal claim; abandonment.
• Attested only in the mid 17ᵗʰ century. The action of being deposed from the seat of power.