Appropriation meaning : An act or instance of appropriating. That which is appropriated. Public funds set aside for a specific purpose. The use of borrowed elements in the creation of a new work. The assimilation of concepts into a governing framework. In church law, the making over of a benefice to an owner who receives the tithes, but is bound to appoint a vicar for the spiritual service of the parish. In constitutional law, the principle that supplies granted by parliament are only to be expended for particular objects specified by itself.