Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-POS-SES'SION, n.

1. Preoccupation; prior possession. – Hammond.
2. Preconceived opinion on the intellect of previous impressions on the mind or heart, in favor or against any person or thing. It is often used in a good sense; sometimes it is equivalent to prejudice, and sometimes a softer name for it. In general, it conveys an idea less odious than prejudice; as, the prepossessions of education. – South.