See Also: emption(dictionary)
pre-emption(dictionary)
EMPTION(law)

pre-emption (iou)



pre-emption noun. E17.
[medieval Latin praeemptio(n-), from praeempt- pa. ppl stem of praeemere, from prae PRE- + emere buy: see -ION.]
The purchase by one person or party before an opportunity is offered to others; the right to make such purchase; Hist. the prerogative of the monarch to buy household provisions in preference to other people and at special rates. E17.
N. Hawthorne The papal government..has the right of pre-emption whenever any relics of ancient art are discovered.
b. N. Amer. & Australian History. The preferential purchase, or right of purchase, of public land by an occupant, on condition of his or her improving it; a piece of land so obtained M18.
c. International Law. The right of a belligerent to seize goods of neutrals which are considered doubtfully or conditionally contraband. M19.
Bridge. The action of making a pre-emptive bid. M20.
The action or an act of setting aside or overriding something. L20.
Military. The action or strategy of making a pre-emptive attack. L20.
pre-emptioner noun a person with a prior right to buy certain public land M19.