homestead n. 宅地 １指某一家庭居住的住宅，包括附属的土地和其上的建筑物，它是家庭的主要住所。在宅地豁免法〔homestead exemption laws〕上，尤指享有免于被强制执行特权的家庭住宅。亦作「homestead estate」。２指根据《宅地法》〔Homestead Act〕而由定居移民从美国联邦公地〔public land〕中所获得的农庄土地。美国国会1862年通过的《宅地法》规定，凡连续耕种公地5年的农户只需缴纳规定的证件费，即可获得160英亩公地的所有权。
homestead. 1. The house, outbuildings, and adjoining land owned and occupied by a person or family as a residence. • As long as the homestead does not exceed in area or value the limits fixed by law, in most states it is exempt from forced sale for collection of a debt. — Also termed homestead