Holding

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act or state of sustaining, grasping, or retaining.

2. A tenure; a farm or other estate held of another.

3. That which holds, binds, or influences. Burke.

4. The burden or chorus of a song. [Obs.] Shak. Holding note (Mus.), a note sustained in one part, while the other parts move.