Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Occupant
1.
One who occupies, or takes possession; one who has the actual use or possession, or is in possession, of a thing;
as, the
. occupant
of the apartment is not at home☞ This word, in law, sometimes signifies one who takes the first possession of a thing that has no owner.
2.
A prostitute.
[Obs.]
Marston.
Webster 1828 Edition
Occupant
OC'CUPANT
, n.1.
He that occupies or takes possession; he that has possession.2.
In law, one that first takes possession of that which has no legal owner. The right of property, either in wild beasts and fowls, or in land belonging to no person, vests in the first occupant. The property in these cases follows the possession.