Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Abdication \Ab`di*ca"tion\, n. [L. abdicatio: cf. F.
   abdication.]
   The act of abdicating; the renunciation of a high office,
   dignity, or trust, by its holder; commonly the voluntary
   renunciation of sovereign power; as, abdication of the
   throne, government, power, authority.

Source : WordNet®

abdication
     n 1: a formal resignation and renunciation of powers [syn: {stepping
          down}]
     2: the act of abdicating [syn: {stepping down}]