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.
Phrases and idioms:
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).
Derivatives:
possessionless adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF possession or L possessio -onis (as POSSESS)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.