online medical dictionary | definition of spoliation

1. The act of plundering; robbery; deprivation; despoliation. "Legal spoliation, which will impoverish one part of the community in order to corrupt the remainder." (Sir G. C. Lewis)

2. Robbery or plunder in war; especially, the authorised act or practice of plundering neutrals at sea.

3. The act of an incumbent in taking the fruits of his benefice without right, but under a pretended title.

A process for possession of a church in a spiritual court.

4. Injury done to a document.

Origin: L. Spoliatio; cf. F. Spoliation. See Spoil.

(01 Mar 1998)