land grant

noun

1. a tract of land given by the government, as for colleges or railroads.

land grant

noun

1. a grant of public land to a college, railway, etc

2. (modifier) designating a state university established with such a grant

Word History and Origins

Origin of land grant¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Each county looks as it does in part because the vast Spanish land grants gave Orange County something L.A. had let slip away: immense tracts to build on.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Since the U.S. took over New Mexico, Hispanos have fought to keep land grants awarded to them under Spanish and Mexican rule — mostly through the courts but sometimes with violence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Stanton lectures Johnson to prevent him from rescinding the promised land grants, adding: "You are making a mistake that may take decades to mend. Please, I am begging you: Keep the order."

Read more on Salon

Voters last year approved an increase in annual distributions from the land grant fund to public schools and early childhood education programs.

Read more on Seattle Times

Palmer says the Allen School’s international projects are a reflection of WSU’s land grant values of working within communities to improve lives and livelihoods.

Read more on Seattle Times