Bumping

What does Bumping mean in American Law?

The definition of Bumping in the law of the United States, as defined by the lexicographer Arthur Leff in his legal dictionary is:

The practice whereby employees with greater seniority displace those with less seniority when layoffs occur. In the military, being bumped out of some privilege by a person of higher rank, e.g., off a military transport or from desirable housing, is still common.

Also, the airline practice of dislodging passengers with reservations from their flights because too many tickets have been sold to accommodate everyone. Under current regulations, airlines must first try to get volunteers for bumping by offering them money, and must take other steps to mitigate the sometimes harsh effects of being bumped.