Definition of "holding"

Although this survey lists only a small number of representative materials in the Hoover Library's Baltic Collection, a comprehensive view of the library's holdings can be gained from the Hoover Institution's card catalog or its printed equivalent

1980, Joseph D. Dwyer, Russia, the Soviet Union, and Eastern Europe, page 9

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, The Economist, Law and order in Italy: Trouble with figures‎

The defender at third position is supposed to keep the partner informed of his holdings in that suit.

2014, D. K. Acharya, Standard Methods of Contract Bridge Complete, page 378

Take againFrom this my hand, as holding of the PopeYour sovereign greatness and authority.

c. 1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Iohn”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act V, scene i], line 3

This has no holding,To swear by him whom I protest to loveThat I will work against him.

c. 1604–1605 (date written), William Shakespeare, “All’s Well, that Ends Well”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act IV, scene ii], line 27

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 loudAs his strong sides can volley.

c. 1606–1607, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act II, scene vii], line 109

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, Edmund Burke, Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents, London: J. Dodsley, page 104

Then came a maid with hand-bag and shawls, and after her a tall young lady. She stood for a moment holding her skirt above the grimy steps, […] , and the light of the reflector fell full upon her.

1897 December (indicated as 1898), Winston Churchill, chapter V, in The Celebrity: An Episode, New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company; London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd.