possession

1 :  the condition of having or owning something The will is in my possession.

2 :  something that is held by someone as property a valuable possession

1 :  the act, fact, or condition of having control of something: as a :  actual possession in this entry b :  constructive possession in this entry c :  knowing dominion and control over a controlled substance or other contraband d in the civil law of Louisiana :  the detention or enjoyment of a corporeal thing e :  control or occupancy of property actual possession 1 :  direct occupancy, use, or control of real property had actual possession of the land despite a lack of legal title 2 :  direct physical custody, care, or control of property or contraband (as illegal drugs) actual possession is not necessary to sustain a conviction — State v. Garrison, 896 S.W.2d 689 (1995) adverse possession :  actual possession of another's real property that is open, hostile, exclusive, continuous, adverse to the claim of the owner, often under a claim of right or color of title, and that may give rise to title in the possessor if carried out for a specified statutory period (as ten years); also :  the method of acquiring title by such possession — see also hostile possession and notorious possession in this entry — compare prescription civil possession in the civil law of Louisiana :  possession that exists by virtue of an intent to be the owner of a property even though one no longer occupies or has physical control of it constructive possession 1 :  possession that exists by virtue of a right (as by title) rather than direct occupancy or control 2 :  the knowing ability and sometimes intent to exercise dominion and control over something (as illegal drugs) either directly or through others hostile possession :  possession (as in adverse possession) that is antagonistic to the claims of all others (as a record owner) and that is carried out with the intention to possess the property exclusively notorious possession :  possession (as in adverse possession) that is so conspicuous that it is generally known by people in the vicinity of the property and so gives rise to a presumption that the owner has notice of it precarious possession in the civil law of Louisiana :  possession of property that is exercised by another (as a lessee) with the permission of or on behalf of the owner — see also acquisitive prescription at prescription

2 :  something controlled, occupied, or owned personal possessions