to jump a claim

1 definition found

to jump a claim - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Jump \Jump\, v. t.
     1. To pass over by means of a spring or leap; to overleap;
        as, to jump a stream.
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     2. To cause to jump; as, he jumped his horse across the
        ditch.
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     3. To expose to danger; to risk; to hazard. [Obs.]
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              To jump a body with a dangerous physic. --Shak.
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     4. (Smithwork)
        (a) To join by a butt weld.
        (b) To thicken or enlarge by endwise blows; to upset.
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     5. (Quarrying) To bore with a jumper.
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     To jump a claim, to enter upon and take possession of land
        to which another has acquired a claim by prior entry and
        occupation. [Western U. S. & Australia] See Claim, n.,
        3.
  
     To jump one's bail, to abscond while at liberty under bail
        bonds. [Slang, U. S.]
  
     To jump the gun, to begin to run (in a footrace) before the
        starting gun has fired; hence, (fig.) to begin any
        activity before the designated starting time.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]