Pre-pos-sĕss’, v. t.

(-pos-sĕs’, or -poz-zĕs’), v. t. [imp. & p. p. PREPOSSESSED (108); p. pr. & vb. n. PREPOSSESSING.]

1. To preoccupy, as ground or land; to take previous possession of. Dryden.
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 any thing;—more often in a favorable manner.

It created him enemies, and prepossessed the lord general. Evelyn.