headright
/ˈhɛdrʌɪt/North American. Now historical
noun
The right to own a particular piece of unsettled land, as granted to an individual fulfilling certain requirements; a piece of land thus granted.
- Especially with reference to the settlement of Virginia and some other colonies in the 17th cent., and of Texas in the early 19th cent..
Origin
Early 18th century; earliest use found in Minutes Board of Property Province of Pennsylvania. From head + right.