rel·e·ga·tion \ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈgāshən\noun (-s) Etymology: Latin relegation-, relegatio, from relegatus + -ion-, -io -ion 1.Roman law: a mild banishment not entailing loss of property or civil rights — compare deportation 2.: the act of relegating or state of being relegated : removal, banishment 3.: assignment, delegation < relegation of minor decisions to his subordinates >