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Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

v.


to take possession of a claim(mining) on land, on the ground that a former possessor hasabandoned it, or has not fulfilled the conditions of the grant.The word is also used in the United States, but it is verycommon in Australia. Instead of «you have taken my seat,» youhave jumped it. So even with a pew. a man in England,to whom was said, «you have jumped my pew,» would lookastonished, as did that other who was informed, «Excuse me,sir, but you are occupewing my py.»

1861. T. McCombie, `Australian Sketches,' p. 31:

«. . . on condition that he occupies it within twenty-fourhours: should this rule not be observed, the right of theoriginal holder is lost, and it may be occupied (or `jumped'as it is termed) by any other person as a deserted claim.»

1861. `Victorian Hansard,' vol. vii. p. 942 (May 21):

« Mr. Wood: Some of the evils spoken of seemed indeedonly to exist in the imagination of the hon. and learnedgentleman, as, for instance, that of `jumping,' for which aremedy was already given by the 77th section of the presentAct.

« Mr. Ireland: Yes; after the claim is `jumped.'»

1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `The Miner's Right,' p. 37:

«If such work were not commenced within three days, any otherminers might summarily take possession of or jump the claim.»

ibid. p. 52:

«Let us have the melancholy satisfaction of seeing Gus's pegs,and noting whether they are all en regle. If not, we'll`jump' him.»

Ibid. p. 76:

«In default of such advertisement, for the general benefit,they were liable, according to custom and practice, to havetheir claim `jumped,' or taken forcible possession of by anyparty of miners who could prove that they were concealing thegolden reality.»

1875. `Melbourne Spectator,' August 21, p. 189, col. 3:

«Jumping selections . . . is said to be very common now inthe Winmera district.»

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

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