ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin spoliation-, spoliatio, from spoliatus (past participle of spoliare to plunder) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at spoil
1.
a. : the act of plundering : pillage or robbery in war : despoliation
b. : the state of having been despoiled or pillaged
2. eccl & canon law
a. : the appropriation of the fruits of a benefice whose incumbent has not yet resigned by one duly presented and instituted
b. : a process or writ for possession of a church or its fruits
3. : injury done to or change made in a document by a stranger to the document — distinguished from alteration
4. : the act of damaging or injuring especially beyond reclaim or recovery
the spoliation of a magnificent piece of scenery — Scots Magazine
5. : the destruction of a ship's papers or other documents showing its character and the nature of its business usually when it is suspected of smuggling, carrying contraband of war, or being an enemy's ship