land grant

noun

1. a tract of land given by the government, as for colleges or railroads.

land grant

noun

1. a grant of public land to a college, railway, etc
2. modifier designating a state university established with such a grant

Word History and Origins

Origin of land grant¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Since the U.S. took over New Mexico, Hispanos have fought to keep land grants awarded to them under Spanish and Mexican rule — mostly through the courts but sometimes with violence.

From Los Angeles Times

Stanton lectures Johnson to prevent him from rescinding the promised land grants, adding: "You are making a mistake that may take decades to mend. Please, I am begging you: Keep the order."

From Salon

Voters last year approved an increase in annual distributions from the land grant fund to public schools and early childhood education programs.

From Seattle Times

Palmer says the Allen School’s international projects are a reflection of WSU’s land grant values of working within communities to improve lives and livelihoods.

From Seattle Times

“What makes South Texas unique is its large ranches dating back to the Spanish land grants, which have been on the forefront of wildlife conservation,” Schofield says.

From National Geographic