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Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Edition (1856)

ABDICATION, 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 III
of England left the kingdom, the Commons voted that he had abdicated the
government, and that thereby the throne had become vacant. The House of
Lords preferred the word deserted, but the Commons thought it not
comprehensive enough, for then, the king might have the liberty of
returning. 2. When inferior magistrates decline or surrender their offices,
they are said to make a resignation. (q.v.)