possession -
n. 1 the act or state of possessing or being possessed.
2 the thing possessed.
3 the act or state of actual holding or occupancy.
4 Law power or control similar to
lawful ownership but which may
exist separately from it (prosecuted for
possession of narcotic drugs).
5 (in pl.) property,
wealth,
subject territory, etc.
6 Football etc. temporary control of the ball by a
particular player.
in possession 1 (of a person) possessing.
2 (of a thing) possessed. in possession of 1 having in one's possession.
2 maintaining control over (in possession of one's wits). in the possession of held or owned by. possession order an order made by a court directing that possession of a property be given to the owner. take possession (often foll. by of) become the owner or possessor (of a thing).
possessionless adj. [ME f. OF possession or L possessio -onis (as POSSESS)]
