possessory action

noun

: an action at law founded on a right of possession and brought to recover or obtain possession as:
a(1)
: a real action formerly used under Old English law to regain possession of a freehold
(2)
: an action founded on mere possession and sometimes used to try title indirectly
b
: a suit under admiralty law to recover possession of a ship under claim of title
c(1)
: an action under Scots law to vindicate and recover possession of goods heritable or movable
(2)
: an action in Louisiana to be secured in possession or restored to the possession of an immovable

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near possessory action

Cite this Entry

“Possessory action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possessory%20action. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!