(nautical) A hold on a ship (a ship's hold includes the forehold and stern hold), used to store cargo during a voyage.

Alternative spelling of holdall

To assume or take responsibility, especially in another's absence. / To maintain a secure position.

(climbing) A large climbing hold that is big enough to wrap a hand around, similar to the handle of a jug.

(slang, idiomatic) stop; wait; whoa.

To hold; to wait for someone at the other end of a telephone connection.

(transitive) To extend or offer, propose. / (intransitive) To talk at great length.

To grasp, seize. / To take root, become established.

(business) a company whose main purpose is to own shares of other companies, as opposed to producing goods or offering services

(colloquial) A delay or wait. / A robbery at gunpoint. / (bridge) The holding back of a card that could win a trick in order to use it later.