Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Perempt \Per*empt"\, v. t. [L. peremptus, p. p. of perimere to
   take away entirely, to destroy; per (see {Per-}) + OL. emere
   to take. See {Redeem}.] (Law)
   To destroy; to defeat. [R.] --Ayliffe.