possession is nine points of the law
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Unknown Presumably derives from legal principle where the satisfaction of 10 (or at times 12) points legitimated ownership; hence “nine points of the law” (sometimes “eleven points of the law”) constituted close to full ownership.[1]
Listed in the form “Possession is nine points in the Law.” as a common saying in 1616 by Thomas Draxe, Adages 163.
[edit] Proverb
possession is nine points of the law
- Dated form of possession is nine-tenths of the law.
