̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English appropriacioun, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French appropriation, from Late Latin appropriation-, appropriatio, from appropriatus + Latin -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the act of appropriating to oneself or another person or to a particular use
he was punished for his appropriation of their belongings
b. : something that has been appropriated ; specifically : a sum of money set aside or allotted by official or formal action for a specific use (as from public revenue by a legislative body that stipulates the amount, manner, and purpose of items of expenditure)
appropriation bill
an annual appropriation for flood control
2.
[Medieval Latin, from Late Latin]
ecclesiastical law : transference of a benefice with its spiritual or temporal interests to a spiritual corporation, provision for the service of the church being made in return ; also : the benefice so transferred
3. obsolete : a special attribute or application
4. : a taking over of a reaction pattern or activity by members of one species (as of birds) or group from those of another group with which the former is associated : imitative behavior