The act of removing someone from power or authority; the process of deposing a ruler or official.
From 'depose' + the suffix '-al' meaning 'the act of.' The word entered English in the 16th century to describe the removal of monarchs from their thrones.
The 'deposal' of Richard II in 1399 was such a shocking event in English history that Shakespeare wrote an entire play about it—it showed that even a crowned king wasn't untouchable if nobles decided to rebel.
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