preemption

[ pree-emp-shuh n ]

/ priˈɛmp ʃən /

the act or right of claiming or purchasing before or in preference to others.

Origin of preemption

1595–1605; < Medieval Latin praeëmpt(us) bought beforehand (past participle of praeëmere) + -ion. See pre-, emptor

There will be a preemption for the presidential debate and election.

TV Upfronts 2012: NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, and the CW Announce Schedules |Jace Lacob, Maria Elena Fernandez |May 17, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
His preemption claim had therefore expired by operation of law long before the creation of this reserve.

Messages and Papers of William McKinley V.2. |William McKinley
In the spring of 1889 Mr. Tompkins bought a quit claim deed to a preemption of eighty acres, on which he filed as a preemption.

Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 1 (of 2) |William Denison Lyman
His preemption claim was only a short distance in the woods from his store.

The Pioneer Woodsman as He is Related to Lumbering in the Northwest |George Henry Warren

He therefore used his preemption right and occupied one hundred and sixty acres of land on what is now Eureka Flats.

Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2 (of 2) |William Denison Lyman
Therefore he changed the homestead to a preemption, paying one dollar and a quarter per acre.

Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 1 (of 2) |William Denison Lyman