1. One that holds, as:
   1. One that possesses something; an owner: the holder of extensive farmland; the holder of oil fields.
   2. One, especially a tenant, that occupies or controls something: The current holder of the apartment.
   3. Law. One that legally possesses and is entitled to the payment of a check, bill, or promissory note.
2. A device for holding: a towel holder.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.