- deposition
- c.1400, "dethronement, putting down from dignity or authority," from O.Fr. deposition (12c.), from L. depositionem, noun of action from deponere (see deposit). Meaning "giving of testimony under oath" is from late 15c. Meaning "action of depositing" is from 1590s. Properly, deposition belongs to deposit, but deposit and depose have become totally confused and English deposition partakes of senses belonging to both.