DCHP-1 Online

improve Hist.

• 1 † v. increase the value of land by preparing it for cultivation, erecting buildings, enclosing with fences, etc., often as a condition required by the government in making a grant.

  See also: improvement (def. 1a)  prove up  

  • 1759  (1876)  The grantees will be obliged by their said grants to plant[,] cultivate, improve or enclose one third of their land in ten years.
  • 1769  The Possessors of such Concessions shall be entitled to such Part of them as shall be proportioned to the Improvements they have made thereon, at the Rate of fifty Acres they shall have improved.
  • 1958  In fact, in 1868, it was disputed. By a civil servant's error, Kanakas with Indian wives living at the "Kanaka rancherie" on Coal Harbor and working at the inlet mills were allowed to pre-empt and improve a part of the Morton-Brighouse-Hailstone land

• 2 v. clear trees and underbrush from land in preparation for seeding.

  See also: improvement (def. 1b)  

  • 1791  (1905)  How many children have you capable of improving lands?
  • 1827  There are about 20 Acres improved, and under good fence.