holding

noun8

1. •
   Something that one owns, especially stocks and bonds.

   • Italy's right-wing prime minister was about to cure his biggest headache by selling the state's holding in a troubled airline, Alitalia. — 2009
2. •
   A tenure; a farm or other estate held of another.

   • Take again From this my hand, as holding of the Pope Your sovereign greatness and authority. — 1596
3. •
   A determination of law made by a court.
4. •
   A foul consisting of impermissibly restricting the movement of an opposing player with the hands or stick.
5. •
   (nonstandard) A holding company, or other kind of company.
6. •
   (no longer used, rare) That which holds, binds, or influences; hold; influence; power.

   • This is one of the principal holdings of that destructive system, which has endeavoured to unhinge all the virtuous, honourable, and useful connexions in the kingdom. — 1770
7. •
   (no longer used) Logic; consistency.

   • This has no holding, To swear by him whom I protest to love That I will work against him. — 1604
8. •
   (no longer used) The burden or chorus of a song.

   • Make battery to our ears with the loud music; The while I'll place you; then the boy shall sing. The holding every man shall beat as loud As his strong sides can volley. — 1606