Preempt \Pre*["e]mpt"\ (?; 215), v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p.
{Pre["e]mpted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Pre["e]mpting}.] [See
{Pre["e]mption}.]
To settle upon (public land) with a right of preemption, as
under the laws of the United States; to take by
pre["e]mption. [Also spelled {pre-empt}.]
[1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]