arrogate (
http://definr.com/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"; "She seized control of the
throne after her husband died" [syn:
assume,
usurp,
seize,
take over]