v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Prepossessed p. pr. & vb. n. Prepossessing. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To preoccupy, as ground or land; to take previous possession of. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To preoccupy, as the mind or heart, so as to preclude other things; hence, to bias or prejudice; to give a previous inclination to, for or against anything; esp., to induce a favorable opinion beforehand, or at the outset. [ 1913 Webster ]

It created him enemies, and prepossessed the lord general. Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Tending to invite favor; attracting confidence, favor, esteem, or love; attractive; as, a prepossessing manner. -- Pre`pos*sess"ing*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

n. [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Preoccupation; prior possession. Hammond. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Preoccupation of the mind by an opinion, or impression, already formed; preconceived opinion; previous impression; bias; -- generally, but not always, used in a favorable sense; as, the prepossessions of childhood. “The prejudices and prepossessions of the country.” Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Bent; bias; inclination; preoccupancy; prejudgment. See Bent. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who possesses, or occupies, previously. R. Brady. [ 1913 Webster ]