possessory

adjective

pos·​ses·​so·​ry pə-ˈze-sə-rē 

-ˈzes-rē,

 also  -ˈse-sə-rē,

 or  -ˈses-rē

1

: of, arising from, or having the nature of possession

possessory rights

2

: having possession

3

: characteristic of a possessor : possessive

Examples of possessory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nevertheless, after the death of the Grantor, the entire value of the property held under the Trust escapes estate tax, and the Grantor will pay rent after the possessory term of years expires, which further reduces the Grantor’s estate, and enables the Grantor to continue to use the property. —Alan Gassman, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2021

In Texas, there are three types of conservatorships with a child: a joint managing conservator, a sole managing conservator and a possessory conservator. —Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAY, 24 June 2021

After the possessory term, the other half of the home can transfer to a separate QPRT for the prime benefit of the descendants. —Alan Gassman, Forbes, 3 June 2021

The numbers were based on sales, hotel, property and possessory interest taxes. —Phillip Molnar, sandiegouniontribune.com, 12 July 2018

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

possessory

adjective

pos·​ses·​so·​ry pə-ˈze-sə-rē 

1

: of, arising from, involving, or having the nature of possession

possessory rights

a possessory action

2

: having possession

a possessory owner