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.
PREEMPTIONER
Pre*ëmp"tion*er, n.
Defn: One who holds a prior to purchase certain public land. Abbott.
PREEMPTIVE
Pre*ëmp"tive, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to preëmption; having power to preëmpt; preëmpting.
PREEMPTOR
Pre*ëmpt"or, n. Etym: [Cf. L. praeemptor.]
Defn: One who preëmpts; esp., one who preëmpts public land.
PREEMPTORY
Pre*ëmpt"o*ry, a.
Defn: Pertaining to preëmption.