A communication that belittles somebody or something

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Derogation \Der`o*ga"tion\, n. [L. derogatio: cf. F. d['e]rogation.] The act of derogating, partly repealing, or lessening in value; disparagement; detraction; depreciation; -- followed by of, from, or to. I hope it is no derogation to the Christian ...

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Derogation is the partial suppression of a law, as opposed to abrogation —total abolition of a law by explicit repeal —and obrogation —the partial or total modification or repeal of a law by the imposition of a later and contrary one. The term is used in ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 An act which belittles; disparagement. 2 (context legal English) The act of derogating; the temporary or partial nullification of a law.

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a communication that belittles somebody or something [syn: disparagement , depreciation ] (law) the partial taking away of the effectiveness of a law; a partial repeal or abolition of a law; "any derogation of the common law is to be strictly construed" ...

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
mid-15c., from Old French dérogacion (14c.), from Latin derogationem (nominative derogatio ), noun of action from past participle stem of derogare (see derogatory ).