Occupation \Oc`cu*pa"tion\, n. [L. occupatio: cf.F. occupation.]

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 Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)