double possessive

English

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɛsɪv

Noun

double possessive (plural double possessives)

1. (grammar) Two or more consecutive nouns in the possessive case, as with "St. Paul's Cathedral's vergers"; discouraged on grounds of style.
2. Combination of the periphrastic possessive, "of x" with the possessive inflection of a noun or pronoun. For example, "A friend of John's", "A habit of mine".