1. The transfer of constitutional powers from a colonial or parent country to a former colony or dominion, especially the transfer of Canada's constitution from British to Canadian authority in 1982.
Usage: Primarily used in Canadian and Commonwealth contexts; Historical and political term

Examples

• The patriation of Canada's constitution was a major milestone in the nation's independence.
• Before patriation, Canada's constitution was formally under British control.
• The 1982 patriation gave Canada full sovereignty over its own constitutional amendments.
• Patriation represented the final step in Canada's evolution from a dominion to a fully independent nation.