n. [ F. alluvion, L. alluvio, fr. alluere to wash against; ad + luere, equiv. to lavare, to wash. See Lave. ] 1. Wash or flow of water against the shore or bank. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. An overflowing; an inundation; a flood. Lyell. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Matter deposited by an inundation or the action of flowing water; alluvium. [ 1913 Webster ] The golden alluvions are there [ in California and Australia ] spread over a far wider space: they are found not only on the banks of rivers, and in their beds, but are scattered over the surface of vast plains. R. Cobden. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Law) An accession of land gradually washed to the shore or bank by the flowing of water. See Accretion. [ 1913 Webster ] |