bezithebbende

Bezithebbende is a term used to describe a person or entity that has possession or control of a thing or right, without necessarily owning it. It is used in legal and contractual contexts to distinguish the holder of possession from the owner.

Etymology: The word blends be- (a prefix indicating a state), zitten (to sit or hold) and hebbende (having), yielding “one who has possession.” It is related to bezitter and bezit, but emphasizes the ongoing state of possession rather than title.

Role in law: A bezithebbende may arise in bailment, leasing, or secured transactions where possession is transferred or placed under control. The bezithebbende has duties of care, safeguarding the asset, and delivering or returning it as contractually required. Possession can confer certain rights within the limits of the agreement, but ownership remains with another party.

Relationship to ownership: Ownership (eigendom) is separate from possession. The bezithebbende’s rights are confined to the scope of possession and the applicable contract or law. In disputes, the distinction between possession and ownership is central to remedies and responsibilities.

Notes: The term is not standard in all jurisdictions and may appear as a neologism or translation choice. In many legal systems, equivalent concepts are described with terms such as possessor, bailee, holder, lessee, or secured party.

See also: possession, ownership, bailment, lease, mortgage, collateral.