WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Oc`cu*pa"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. occupatio: cf.F. occupation.]
Definition : 1. The act or process of occupying or taking possession; actual possession and control; the state of being occupied; a holding or keeping; tenure; use; as, the occupation of lands by a tenant.

2. That which occupies or engages the time and attention; the principal business of one's life; vocation; employment; calling; trade. Absence of occupation is not rest. Cowper. Occupation bridge (Engin.), a bridge connecting the parts of an estate separated by a railroad, a canal, or an ordinary road.

Syn. -- Occupancy; possession; tenure; use; employment; avocation; engagement; vocation; calling; office; trade; profession.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913