deposition

 
Pronunciation: /ˌdɛpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n, diː-/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the action of deposing someone, especially a monarch: Edward V’s deposition
  • 2 Law the giving of sworn evidence: the deposition of four expert witnesses
  • [count noun] a formal, usually written, statement to be used as evidence: a commissioner to take depositions from witnesses
  • 3the action of depositing something: pebbles formed by the deposition of calcium in solution
  • 4 (the Deposition) the removal of the body of Christ from the Cross.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin depositio(n-), from the verb deponere (see deposit)