Pre·ëmpt v. t. & i. [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. [Also spelled pre-empt.]
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preempt
v 1: acquire by preemption
2: make a preemptive bid