To preoccupy, as ground or land; to take previous possession of.

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.

possess beforehand

cause to be preoccupied; "The idea of his failure prepossesses him"

make a positive impression (on someone) beforehand; "A prepossessing appearance"

influence (somebody's) opinion in advance