In the context of property law, what is an easement in gross?

An easement in gross is correctly understood as a limited right to use someone else's land for specific purposes. Unlike an easement appurtenant, which benefits a particular piece of land (the dominant estate) and typically involves two parcels of land, an easement in gross exists independently of any dominant estate. This means it is not tied to any specific piece of land; rather, it benefits a person or entity, such as a utility company.

For example, if a utility company has an easement in gross, it may have the right to place power lines across a private property to deliver services to the public. This right is focused on the use of the land for particular activities, rather than for the benefit of a specific parcel of land, which aligns with the definition of a limited right to use land for specific purposes. Thus, option B encapsulates the essence of an easement in gross effectively.