01 v. t. & i. To settle upon (public land) with a right of preemption, as under the laws of the United States; to take by preemption.
imp. & p. p.
Preëmpted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Preëmpting
-
1.
To settle upon (public land) with a right of preemption, as under the laws of the United States; to take by preemption.
-
2.
To acquire or take for oneself first (an object or right), thereby preventing others from acquiring; to appropriate; to arrogate.
-
3.
To supplant or take the place of (an action), due to changes in circumstances or priorities; as, the regular meeting was preempted by an emergency conference.
-
4.
To prevent or delay (an event) by acting beforehand; to head off; to preclude.