Main Entry:: pos·sess
Pronunciation:: \pə-ˈzes also -ˈses\
Function:: transitive verb
Etymology:: Middle English, from Middle French possesser to have possession of, take possession of, from Latin possessus, past participle of possidēre, from potis able, having the power + sedēre to sit — more at potent, sit
Date:: 14th century

1 a: to have and hold as property : own b: to have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill2 a: to take into one's possession b: to enter into and control firmly : dominate <was possessed by demons> c: to bring or cause to fall under the influence, possession, or control of some emotional or intellectual response or reaction <melancholy possesses her>3 aobsolete : to instate as owner b: to make the owner or holder —used in passive construction to indicate simple possession <possessed of riches><possessed of knowledge and experience>

— pos·ses·sor noun

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