Lat. In the civil law . A species of interdict for tlie purpose of retaining possession of a thing, granted to one who, at the time of contesting suit, was in possession of an immovable thing, in order that lie might be declared the legal pos- sessor. Ilallifax, Civil Law, b. 3, c. 6, no. 8. In international law . A phrase used to signify that the parties to a treaty are to re- tain possession of what they have acquired by force during the war. Wheat. Int. Law, C27.