possessory

[puh-zes-uh-ree]

adjective

1. of or relating to a possessor or to possession.

   registration of possessory claims.

2. arising from possession.

   a possessory interest.

3. having possession.

   possessory landholdings.

possessory

/ pəˈzɛsərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or having possession

2. law arising out of, depending upon, or concerned with possession

   a possessory title

Other Word Forms

• possessoriness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of possessory¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin possessōrius, equivalent to Latin possed-, stem of possidēre to possess ( possession ) + -tōrius -tory ¹, with dt > ss

Example Sentences

Tenants would, however, be required to contribute to the tax rolls by an unspecified amount through a “possessory interest tax” that can be levied on private companies leasing public buildings.

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He said the agencies didn’t anticipate tenants would face possessory taxes because at the time they relied on existing guidance from a state board that he argued should be interpreted as exempting any person receiving rent breaks at the projects.

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In a letter, the board said residents at JPA properties do have a taxable possessory interest, but assessors should refrain from taxing it only if tenants are low-income, as defined by California law.

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At least two county assessors, those in Orange and San Diego counties, have taken the position that project administrators, not tenants, should pay possessory interest taxes.

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“If SB 734 passes as drafted, 60% of the tenants in these units are eligible to receive possessory interest tax bills, which we do not believe is in the best interest of housing policy in California,” Gordo wrote.

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Related Words

• anxious 
• apprehensive 
• attentive 
• envious 
• intolerant 
• possessive 
• protective 
• resentful 
• skeptical 
• suspicious