pre-emption

/ prɪˈɛmpʃən /

noun

1. law the purchase of or right to purchase property in advance of or in preference to others
2. international law the right of a government to intercept and seize for its own purposes goods or property of the subjects of another state while in transit, esp in time of war

Word History and Origins

Origin of pre-emption¹

C16: from Medieval Latin praeemptiō, from praeemere to buy beforehand, from emere to buy

Example Sentences

Having taken a lease of the land, with a right of pre-emption after a specified period, he proceeded to build.

From Project Gutenberg

No; I respect and revere pre-emption rights; for they fortify and sustain the right to the elements.

From Project Gutenberg

He had the 'right of pre-emption of fish in all his ports, and the choice of the best fish.'

From Project Gutenberg

If any question arises between two pre-emption claimants, the commissioner of the general land office decides the dispute.

From Project Gutenberg

The pre-emption and homestead laws were passed for the benefit of the actual settlers of the country.

From Project Gutenberg