title by occupancy

1

: a legal right of property acquired by taking the first possession of a thing or possession of a thing which belonged to nobody and appropriating it

2

: sovereignty acquired in international law by a political state over territory not under the dominion of another state by effective exercise of control (as by settlement or by air patrol) and by public proclamation of the extent of the territory involved

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now