v.tr. 1 hold as property; own. 2 have a faculty, quality, etc. (they possess a special value for us). 3 (also refl.; foll. by in) maintain (oneself, one's soul, etc.) in a specified state (possess oneself in patience). 4 a (of a demon etc.) occupy; have power over (a person etc.) (possessed by the devil). b (of an emotion, infatuation, etc.) dominate, be an obsession of (possessed by fear). 5 have sexual intercourse with (esp. a woman). be possessed of own, have. possess oneself of take or get for one's own. what possessed you? an expression of incredulity. possessor n. possessory adj.
[ OF possesser f. L possidere possess- f. potis able + sedere sit ]