Possessie

Possessie is a term used in Dutch and some related languages to denote possession or control of something. It can refer to the state of having physical control over a thing, regardless of whether the holder is the owner. The concept is used across legal, everyday, and cultural contexts, and it may also appear in discussions of supernatural beliefs.

In a legal sense, possession is the actual control or exercise of powers over a thing. Possession can be temporary or lasting and is often distinguished from ownership, which concerns the rights of title and transfer. In many jurisdictions, possession can confer certain rights of use or exclusion, and it can be protected by law against unauthorized interference. The relationship between possession and ownership varies by legal system and may involve additional concepts such as possession in good faith, custody, or adverse possession in some traditions.

Cultural and religious contexts also shape the meaning of possessie. In some traditions, possession refers to a person being inhabited by a spirit, deity, or demon. Such beliefs can influence ritual practices, including cleansing, healing, or exorcism procedures, and they may differ significantly between cultures and religious communities.

Etymology and usage: the term possessie derives from Latin possessio via French, and in Dutch it exists alongside bezitt—often used in more technical or formal language. While bezits are the everyday notion of having or holding something, possessie can appear in legal texts, formal discourse, or discussions of specific types of control, including those with supernatural connotations.