Antagonistic. Having the character of an enemy; standing in the relation of an enemy. See 1 Kent Comm. c. 4. Hostile embargo. One laid upon the vessels of an actual or prospective enemy. Hostile possession. This term as applied to an occupant of real estate holding adversely, is not construed as implying actual enmity or ill will, but merely means that he claims to hold the possession in the character of an owner, and therefore denies all validity to claims set up by any and all other persons. Ballard v. Hansen, 33 Neb. 8G1, 51 N. W. 295; Griffin v. Mulley, 167 Pa. 339, 81 Atl. 664. Hostile witness.. A witness who manifests so much hostility or prejudice under examination in chief that the party who has called him, or his representative. is allowed to cross-examine him, i.e., to treat him as though he had been called by the opposite party. Wharton.