preclearance

English

Etymology

From pre- +‎ clearance.

Noun

preclearance (countable and uncountable, plural preclearances)

1. A procedure to arrange for clearing customs or immigration in advance.

   The customs service announced new preclearance regulations last week.

2. (US, law) Advance approval by a federal court or the Department of Justice for changes to voting regulations in certain states under the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

   The great state of Alabama believes that preclearance is a relic of the past.