/ pəˈzeʃn; NAmE / noun
HAVING / OWNING
1.
[ U ] ( formal ) the state of having or owning sth :
The manuscript is just one of the treasures in their possession .
The gang was caught in possession of stolen goods.
The possession of a passport is essential for foreign travel.
On her father's death, she came into possession of (= received) a vast fortune.
You cannot legally take possession of the property (= start using it after buying it) until three weeks after the contract is signed.
—see also vacant possession
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] something that you own or have with you at a particular time
SYN belongings :
personal possessions
The ring is one of her most treasured possessions.
➡ note at things
IN SPORT
3.
[ U ] the state of having control of the ball :
to win / get / lose possession of the ball
LAW
4.
[ U ] the state of having illegal drugs or weapons with you at a particular time :
She was charged with possession.
COUNTRY
5.
[ C ] ( formal ) a country that is controlled or governed by another country
BY EVIL SPIRIT
6.
[ U ] the situation when sb's mind is believed to be controlled by the Devil or by an evil spirit
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IDIOMS
- possession is nine tenths of the law
—more at field noun
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French , from Latin possessio(n-) , from the verb possidere , from potis able, capable + sedere sit.