pə]ˈzes, pō], ]ˈses\ transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English possessen, from Middle French possesser, from Latin possessus, past participle of possidēre to own, possess (from potis able, possible + -sidēre, from sedēre to sit) & possidĕre to take possession of, from potis + sidere to sit down, from the stem of sedēre to sit — more at potent , sit
1.
a. obsolete : install , instate : establish
b. : to make (as a person) the owner or holder (as of property, power, or knowledge) : furnish — used with of or with
I will possess you of that ship and treasure — Shakespeare
c. : to be in possession of (something) : have
possessed of riches
possessed of a strong back
2. obsolete : to be located or situated at : occupy , inhabit
3.
a. : to have and hold as property : have a just right to : be master of : own
possessing lands and money
b. : to have as a property, adjunct, attribute, or other collateral quality
possesses great patience
possessing the respect of his fellows
c. : to have knowledge of or skill in
possessing several languages besides his native tongue
4.
a. : to take into one's possession : seize or gain control of : make one's own
this the regal seat: possess it, York — Shakespeare
b. : to enter into and influence powerfully or control : dominate
possessed of a demon
what could have possessed him to act so
a man possessed with rage
c. : to bring or cause to fall under the influence, possession, or control of some emotional or intellectual reaction
periodically possessed with a melancholy reserve
d. : to maintain or keep in a usually specified condition (as of control or tranquillity)
possessing himself firmly in the face of provocation
the need to possess one's soul in patience
e. archaic
(1) : persuade , influence , convince
(2) : to impart information to : instruct , acquaint
f. : to copulate with
5. obsolete : to occupy or engross the thoughts of
Synonyms: see have