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.