What is "to jump a claim"

Jump \Jump\, v. t.

1. To pass over by means of a spring or leap; to overleap; as, to jump a stream.

2. To cause to jump; as, he jumped his horse across the ditch.

3. To expose to danger; to risk; to hazard. [Obs.]

   To jump a body with a dangerous physic.
   --Shak.

4. (Smithwork)

   1. To join by a butt weld.

   2. To thicken or enlarge by endwise blows; to upset.

5. (Quarrying) To bore with a jumper.

   To jump a claim, to enter upon and take possession of land to which another has acquired a claim by prior entry and occupation. [Western U. S. & Australia] See Claim, n., 3.

   To jump one's bail, to abscond while at liberty under bail bonds. [Slang, U. S.]

   To jump the gun, to begin to run (in a footrace) before the starting gun has fired; hence, (fig.) to begin any activity before the designated starting time.