What term describes the right to use land for a specific and limited purpose?

The term that describes the right to use land for a specific and limited purpose is indeed an easement. An easement grants an individual or entity the legal right to use another person's land for a particular purpose, such as accessing utilities, pathways, or rights-of-way. These rights do not confer ownership of the land itself but allow for certain uses that facilitate access or services that are beneficial for both the landowner and the easement holder.

Easements can be temporary or permanent and may be created through legal agreements, necessity, or implied rights. For example, a utilities company might have an easement that allows them to install and maintain power lines on a property.

In contrast, a mortgage is related to financing the purchase of property and does not involve specific rights to use the land. A covenant typically refers to agreements or restrictions placed on property use, often in relation to homeowner associations or property developments, and does not indicate the right of use itself. Eminent domain is the right of the government to take private property for public use, which is a much broader power and involves compensation to the property owner rather than a limited use right.