Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Arrogate \Ar"ro*gate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Arrogated}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Arrogating}.] [L. arrogatus, p. p. of adrogare,
   arrogare, to ask, appropriate to one's self; ad + rogare to
   ask. See {Rogation}.]
   To assume, or claim as one's own, unduly, proudly, or
   presumptuously; to make undue claims to, from vanity or
   baseless pretensions to right or merit; as, the pope
   arrogated dominion over kings.

         He arrogated to himself the right of deciding
         dogmatically what was orthodox doctrine. --Macaulay.

Source : WordNet®

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: {assign}]
     3: seize and take control without authority and possibly with
        force; 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}]