Dominion over, and exclusive control and use of, a material object or property resulting from the fact of holding it (whether rightly or wrongly) in one's power. Possession is said to be the "nine-tenths of the law" and is a prima facie evidence of ownership-good against any other claim, except that of the legal owner. It may mature into legal ownership due to passage of time, as in adverse possession.
Use 'possession' in a Sentence
I found your hat after we left the basketball court. I can return it to you tomorrow, I have it in my possession.
While going through my Grandma's things, after her death, my niece informed us she had her Waterford crystal in her possession.
Superstitions have caused much harm throughout history, perfectly illustrated by the people who thought those with high fevers, epilepsy, and other serious illnesses were in a state of possession and would perform exorcism instead of treating them
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Notable Quotable
Contentment and Possessions
"To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not. (Akhenaton was an Egyptian Pharaoh fl. 1375 B.C.)"
One Person's Experience on Possessions
"I owe much; I have nothing; the rest I leave to the poor."
Why Men Cannot Live Freely and Nobly
"It is preoccupation with possession, more than anything else, that prevents men from living freely and nobly."