1. 1. The act or fact of possessing.
   2. The state of being possessed.
2. Something owned or possessed.
3. possessions Wealth or property.
4. Law. Actual holding or occupancy with or without rightful ownership.
5. A territory subject to foreign control.
6. Self-control.
7. The state of being dominated by or as if by evil spirits or by an obsession.
8. Sports.
   1. Physical control of the ball or puck by a player or team.
   2. The condition of being on offense: The home team was in possession during most of the fourth quarter.

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.