Meaning of jump a claim | Babel Free

Definitions

To enter upon and take possession of land to which another has acquired a claim by prior entry and occupation.

Australia, US, Western, historical

Examples

“Anarchy still reigns in this new country;—not only have⟳ the miners to defend⟳ their persons and their acquisitions against the incursions from Indian tribes; not only are crimes and offences common (lynch law maintaining a permitted existence instead of laws and police); but every one appears to hold⟳ his property by right of first comer: a miner choses the spot he likes best; a strong arm and a carbine, with a steady eye, are his title deeds. To seize upon a rich "placer" from a miner too weak to resist⟳, is called in the slang of the district, to "jump⟳ a claim⟳." The President of the United States himself, stated in his last⟳ message, that "The mineral lands should remain⟳ free to every citizen;" and the Secretary of State has added, "that the right of occupancy should be submitted only to such laws as the miners themselves thought fit to make⟳."”

CEFR level