Lydbury Language Forum

General => Language Questions => Topic started by: t k on June 14, 2019, 04:55:12 am

Title: ---- those already in possession
Post by: t k on June 14, 2019, 04:55:12 am

The arguments by which they were reached were taken from the most advanced writers of the day.  All that these people contended for was granted them, but the fruits of victory were for the most part handed over to those already in possession.  (from THE WAY OF ALL FLESH, by Samuel Butler; a larger context is here (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2084/2084-h/2084-h.htm); use ctrl-f to locate the sentence)

Please explain "those already in possession".  Thanks.  --- tk

Title: Re: ---- those already in possession
Post by: admin on June 14, 2019, 11:28:22 am

Those who already had positions had positions offered to them - it was a closed shop.