possess, possesses, possessing 1. To have as property; to own. 2. To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute: 'She possessed great tact.' 3. To acquire mastery of or have knowledge of: 'He possessed valuable data.' 4. To gain or exert influence or control over; to dominate. 5. To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular con... Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/1738/4