Webster's 1828 Dictionary
SECULARIZATION
n.[foom secularize. ] the act of converting a regular person, place or benefice into a secular one. Most cathedral churchses were formerly regular, that is, the canons were of religious or monastic orders; but they have since been secularized. for the secularization of a regular church, there is wanted the authority of the pope, that of the prince, the bishop of the place, the patron, and even the consent of the people.
Webster's 1913 Dictionary
SECULARIZATION
Sec `u *lar *i *za "tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. sécularisation. ]
Defn: The act of rendering secular, or the state of being rendered secular; conversion from regular or monastic to secular; conversion from religious to lay or secular possession and uses; as, the secularization of church property.
The Wordsmith Dictionary