pəˈzes 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). øbe possessed of own, have. possess oneself of
take or
get for one's own.
what possessed you? an
expression of incredulity. øøpossessor n. possessory adj. [OF possesser f. L possidere possessf. potis
able + sedere sit]