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).
Phrases and idioms:
be possessed of own, have. possess oneself of take or get for one's own. what possessed you? an expression of incredulity.
Derivatives:
possessor n. possessory adj.
Etymology: OF possesser f. L possidere possess- f. potis able + sedere sit