easement

[ eez-muhnt ]

noun

1. Law. a right held by one property owner to make use of the land of another for a limited purpose, as right of passage.
2. an easing; relief.
3. something that gives ease; a convenience.
4. Architecture. a curved joint.

easement

/ ˈiːzmənt /

noun

1. property law the right enjoyed by a landowner of making limited use of his neighbour's land, as by crossing it to reach his own property
2. the act of easing or something that brings ease

Word History and Origins

Origin of easement¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English esement, from Old French aisement, from aise ease + -ment -ment

Example Sentences

It took four years, but now, she and the forests’ other fans have a conservation easement forbidding commercial development or logging, giving the next generation better tools to protect the forest.

From Science News

This would mean not just protecting wilderness areas and national parks, but private land, farms of all sizes, and urban green spaces, using public-private partnerships and conservation easements.

From Outside Online

Whether a pipeline is removed or abandoned may come down to the terms of the easement—the agreement between a landowner and a pipeline company.

From Popular-Science

Some get permission from the state to keep existing seawalls through easements, wherein homeowners essentially pay the state to lease the public lands under the structures.

From ProPublica

After some initial resistance, the university agreed, granting an easement for its construction.

From Washington Post