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.

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