Arrogate \Ar"ro*gate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Arrogated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Arrogating}.] [L. arrogatus, p. p. of adrogare, arrogare, to ask, appropriate to one's self; ad + rogare to ask. See {Rogation}.] To assume, or claim as one's own, unduly, proudly, or presumptuously; to make undue claims to, from vanity or baseless pretensions to right or merit; as, the pope arrogated dominion over kings. He arrogated to himself the right of deciding dogmatically what was orthodox doctrine. --Macaulay. web1913

arrogate v 1: demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to: "He claimed his suitcases at the airline counter"; "Mr. Smith claims special tax exemptions because he is a foreign resident" [syn: {claim}, {lay claim}] [ant: {forfeit}] 2: make undue claims to having [syn: {ascribe}, {assign}] 3: take control of; take as one's right or possession; "He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town"; "he usurped my rights" [syn: {assume}, {usurp}, {take over}] wn