Category:Preemption

Pre*ëmp"tion, n. Etym: [pref. pre- + emption: cf. F. préemption. See Redeem.]

Defn: the act or right of purchasing before others. Specifically: (a) the privilege or prerogative formerly enjoyed by the king of Buying provisions for his household in preference to others. [eng.] (b) the right of an actual settler upon public lands (particularly Those of the united states) to purchase a certain portion at a fixed Price in preference to all other applicants. Abbott.