1. To make a thing one's vwn; to make a thing the subject of property; to exercise dominion over an object to the extent, and for the purpose, of making it subserve one’s own proper use or pleasure. The term is properly used in this sense to denote the acquisition of property and a right of exclusive enjoyment in those things which before were without an owner or were publict juris. United States v. Nicholson (D. C.) 12 Fed. 522; Wulzen v. San