Emily Dickinson Lexicon

possess (-ed, -eth, -ing, possest), v. [OFr < L. possidēre, to possess.] (webplay: agent, dwelling, good, great, have, house, life, long, madness, man, minds, obtain, own, places, proof, sound, take, thing, title, unspeakable, world).

1. Fill; pervade; seize; overcome; overtake; overpower.
2. Enjoy; experience; receive; get.
3. Retain; withhold; [fig.] know; understand; have knowledge of.
4. Deserve; merit.
5. Exhibit; show; demonstrate; manifest; [fig.] have as a native quality.
6. Own; have; keep; take as property; hold as a personal belonging.