Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[L.

obsessio

: cf. F.

obsession

The act of besieging.

[archaic]

Johnson.

The state of being besieged; – used specifically of a person beset by a spirit from without.

[archaic]

Tylor.

Whether by

obsession

or possession, I will not determine.

Burton.

Noun.

[L. obsessio.] The act of besieging; the first attack of Satan antecedent to possession. [Little used.]