self-poˈssession
[self- 1 d.]
Command of one's faculties or feelings; self-command, composure.
| 1745 J. Mason Self-Knowl. ii. i. (1853) 135 To preserve an Equanimity and Self-possession under all the various scenes of Adversity and Prosperity. 1821 Scott Kenilw. xv, The youth underwent the gaze of Majesty, not the less gracefully that his self-possession was mingled with embarrassment. 1878 Gladstone Prim. Hom. 112 The self-possession and self-command of every Greek are perfect. |
| transf. 1859 Lang Wand. India 314 A low flight of steps on which the ponies pass up and down with extraordinary self-possession. |