easement

Definition

A legal right allowing someone else to use part of your property for a specific purpose, like utility access or a driveway. It's basically permanent permission to trespass, enshrined in your deed.

Example Usage

Turns out my neighbor has an easement to drive through my backyard, which explains a lot about those tire tracks.

Origin

From Old French 'aisement' meaning comfort or convenience, adapted into English property law

Fun Fact

Prescriptive easements can be created when someone openly uses your land for long enough—squatter's rights for driveways.

Source: Real estate law and property rights terminology

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