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) ]