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.
seealsoVACANTPOSSESSION
2 [C,usually pl.] something that you own or have with you at a particular time
SYNBELONGINGS:
personal possessions * The ring is one of her most treasured possessions. * Please make cure you have all your possessions with you when leaving the plane.
in sport
3 [U] the state of having control of the ball:
to win / get / lose possession of the ball * The home team had most of the possession in the first half.
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:
The former colonial possessions are now independent states.
by the devil
6 [U] the situation when sb's mind is believed to be controlled by the devil or by an evil spirit
IDIOMS see FIELDn.
