† poˈssede, v. Obs.
Also 5 poosseede, 6 possed, posseade, 6–7 Sc. posseid.
[= F. posséder to possess; but this form of the Fr. vb. is not cited before the 16th c., the 15th c. form being possider, ad. L. possidēre.]
= possess v. 1, 2, 5.
| a 1400–50 Alexander 2841 In pese & in pacience possede at he miȝt. 1426 Lydg. in Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 132 Septure and crowne that he may in dede, As he hath right, in peas to possede. c 1430 ― Min. Poems (Percy Soc.) 244 Tresours of fayrye which she doth poosseede. 1484 Caxton Fables of æsop (1899) 41 The vertues [powers] which he posseded in his yong age. 1556 Aurelio & Isab. (1608) K v, He that loves not him selfe dothe posseade no goode. 1571 Satir. Poems Reform. xxvii. 70 Reid how þai forcitt the Britonis folk to flitt, And ȝitt posseidis that peoples proprietie. a 1641 Bp. R. Montagu Acts & Mon. iii. (1642) 203 That God transport him beyond his assise, and wholly possede him. |