homestead law

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.

homestead law

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of homestead law¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

So as a last resort the squatters tried to prove up on the land under the Homestead law.

From Project Gutenberg

The homestead law, as finally adopted in 1862, granted one hundred and sixty acres as a free gift to every settler.

From Project Gutenberg

The Homestead law opened up the road to self-employment by way of free land and agriculture.

From Project Gutenberg

Resolutions favoring a homestead law, river and harbor improvements, and the Pacific railroad were also included in the platform.

From Project Gutenberg

He had lived in Kansas since the passage of the homestead law.

From Project Gutenberg