in mining, a piece of landappropriated for mining purposes: then the mine itself.The word is also used in the United States. See also Reward-claim and Prospecting-claim.
1858. T. McCombie, `History of Victoria,' c. xiv. p. 213:
«A family named Cavanagh . . . entered a half-worked claim.»
1863. H. Fawcett, `Political Economy,' pt. iii. c. vi.p. 359 (`O.E.D.'):
«The claim upon which he purchases permission to dig.»
1887. H. H. Hayter, `Christmas Adventure,' p. 3:
«I decided . . . a claim to take up.»
= the first claim marked in agold-lead. See Reward Claim. 1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `The Miner's Right...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
n. the Australian legal term forthe large area granted as a «reward» to the miner who firstdiscover...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris