'possess' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'possidēre,' where 'pos-' meant 'to have' and 'sedēre' meant 'to sit.'

'possidēre' transformed into the Old French word 'possesser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'possess' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to have or hold,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.