-ˈem(p)shən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin praeemptus (past participle of praeemere to buy beforehand, from Latin prae- pre- + emere to take, buy) + English -ion — more at redeem
1. : the act or right of purchasing before others: as
a. : the privilege or prerogative formerly enjoyed by the king of buying provisions at an appraised valuation for his household in preference to others
b. : the prior right belonging among some primitive peoples to persons standing in various family, tribal, or neighborhood relations to purchase property sold or proposed to be sold to a stranger at the price offered by the stranger
c. : the right of a belligerent to seize and purchase at an appraised price other contraband of war than absolute contraband belonging to a neutral and en route to an enemy in its own territory or on the high seas or in unappropriated territory
d. : a preemption right or a piece of land occupied under one
2. : a prior seizure or appropriation : a taking possession before others
raises the question of federal preemption of the security field — Report: American Civil Liberties Union
the agency's preemption of all … power and responsibility — A.G.Harper