patent

noun

A grant made by a government that confers upon the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time.

noun

Letters patent.

noun

An invention protected by such a grant.

noun

A grant of publicly owned land, particularly to a homesteader.

noun

The official document of such a grant.

noun

The land so granted.

noun

An exclusive right or title.