headright

[ hed-rahyt ]

noun

1. Law. a beneficial interest for each member of an Indian tribe in the tribal trust fund accruing from the lease of tribal oil, gas, and mineral rights, right, the sale of tribal lands, etc.
2. American History. a grant of land, usually 50 acres to a settler, given by certain colonies and companies in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of headright¹

An Americanism dating back to 1695–1705; head + right

Example Sentences

It is not conclusively proved, then, that a certain person came as a servant merely because he is listed as a headright.

From Project Gutenberg

The meaning of "headright" was that any person who paid his own way to Virginia would receive 50 acres of land.

From Project Gutenberg

One of these grants by Governor Wyatt is the earliest extant form of the headright franchise.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore, all persons so listed under the headright claim cannot be considered indentured servants.

From Project Gutenberg

Governors under the company issued patents based on the headright until dissolution by the crown in 1624.

From Project Gutenberg