eminent domain

Meanings

1. The right of a government over the private property within its jurisdiction. Usually invoked to compel land owners to sell their property in preparation for a major construction project such as a freeway.
2. In feudalism, the legal interest or rights of a lord or superior in an estate in land held in fee, as opposed to the vassal's or tenant's interest.

Etymology

Calque of New Latin dominium ēminēns (literally “supreme ownership”).