Definition of "holden"

Asses milke is holden for to be thickest, and therfore they use it in stead of renning, to turn milke and gather curds thereof. It is thought also to be very good for to make womens skin faire and white

1603, Pliny the Elder, translated by Philemon Holland, The Historie of the World. Commonly called, The Naturall Historie of C. Plinius Secundus‎, volume I, London: Adam Fslip, page 348

And in the worst construction they conceited Money, or a resignation of that part was holden by the King in France, would beget a Peace at their own will and pleasure.

c. 1620s, Elizabeth Cary [misattributed to Henry Cary], The History Of the most unfortunate Prince King Edward II. […] , London: A.G. and F. P., published 1680, page 37

The court of sweinmote is to be holden before the verderors, as judges, by the steward of the swein-mote, thrice in every year, the sweins or freeholders within the forest composing the jury.

1766, William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England

She was pale and trembling. He came to her relief with a fixed despair of himself, which made the interview unlike any other that could have been holden.

1859, Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities