Is There A True Definition Of Homesteading? Short answer is yes. Homesteading as defined historically in the dictionary is: "1. a house, especially a farmhouse, and outbuildings. 2. Law: a person's or family's residence, which comprises the land, house, and outbuildings, and in most states is exempt from forced sale for collection of debt. and 3. Historical: (as provided by the federal Homestead Act of 1862) an area of public land in the West (usually 160 acres) granted to…