homestead law

American  

noun

1. any law exempting homesteads from seizure or sale for debt.

2. any law making public lands available to settlers to be used as farms.

3. any of various state laws granting special property tax exemptions or other privileges to homesteaders.

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homestead law British  

noun

1. (in the US and Canada) any of various laws conferring certain privileges on owners of homesteads

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Etymology

Origin of homestead law

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

By chance, lawyers in the Department of Justice learned that a part of my recently completed doctoral dissertation in Indian history included a discussion of such "homestead laws."

From Salon

In the early 1870s, most Americans believed in the sanctity of the preemption and homestead laws, and the right of White men to take whatever lands they wanted and put them into production.

From Washington Post

Further, it said, homestead law does not apply to the case.

From Washington Times

Then there are the nuances of Florida’s homestead law and other states’ and countries’ asset-protection vehicles.

From New York Times

Florida’s homestead laws and protection of annuities, life insurance and retirement accounts have long been attractive to debtors.

From New York Times