DCHP-1 Online
pre-empt 
1 v. Obs. take over (land) by legal claim for purposes of engaging in mining operations.
- 1866 "Have we as colored men the right to pre-empt ground for mining purposes ?"
2 † v. purchase or establish the right to purchase public lands by pre-emption (def. 1).
See also: pre-emption (def. 1)
- 1869 In British Columbia there are vast districts of rich arable land which can easily be pre-empted.
- 1913 In certain districts a homesteader in good standing may pre-empt a quarter-section alongside his homestead.
- 1963 More than a thousand acres were pre-empted and they set to work to establish their way of life.
- 1866 "Have we as colored men the right to pre-empt ground for mining purposes ?"