possess Copy link Outline I. To have as one's own1. expr. by sum, with dat. of Eng. subject, or in the case of bodily or mental features, by gen. or abl. of quality2. possĭdeo, sēdi, ssum, 2 (in strict legal sense, denoting no more than the holding of property3. tĕneo, 2II. To seize, occupy the mind; of emotionsIII. To have entire control and influence over (fig.) • possess: I. To have as one's own: 1. expr. by sum, with dat. of Eng. subject, or in the case of bodily or mental features, by gen. or abl. of quality: v. to have. 2. possĭdeo, sēdi, ssum, 2 (in strict legal sense, denoting no more than the holding of property: also in gen. sense): to p. much wealth, multa p., Hor. Od. 4, 9, 45. Absol., to p. landed property: Callist. Dig. 47, 9, 7 (juxta littora p.). 3. tĕneo, 2: v. to hold, occupy. II. To seize, occupy the mind; of emotions: invādo, căpio, incesso, etc.: v. possession (to take). III. To have entire control and influence over (fig.): tĕneo, 2: Virg. E. 1, 32 (of the object of affection): Ov. Or expr. by tōtus: cf. Ter. Eun. 5, 8, 10, fratris igitur tota Thais est? then does my brother possess the affections of Thais? so, of one entirely devoted to some deity, Dei totus, Val. Fl.; *quem totum Deus tenet.