prepossession

I AM fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom, which I take with you on the present occasion; a liberty which seemed to me scarcely allowable, when I reflected on that distinguished and dignified station in which you stand, and the almost general prejudice and prepossession, which is so prevalent in the world against those of my complexion.

Copy of a letter from Benjamin Banneker to the secretary of state, with his answer. 1792

Mr. Solmes (that the prepossession which is charged upon me may not be supposed to influence me against him) I do absolutely declare,

Clarissa Harlowe 2006

Though she did not encourage, she would not reject the attentions of the polite and elegant stranger, who had so much that was agreeable to say that she insensibly acquired a kind of prepossession in his favor.

Godey's Lady's Book, Vol. 42, January, 1851 Various

Sir -- I am fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom which I take on the present occasion, a liberty, which to me scarcely allowable, when I reflect on that distinguished and honorable station in which you stand, and the almost general prejudice and prepossession which is prevalent in the world against those of my complexion.

Men of Maryland George Freeman 1914

Sir -- I am fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom which I take on the present occasion, a liberty, which to me scarcely allowable, when I reflected on that distinguished and honorable station in which you stand; and the almost general prejudice and prepossession which is prevalent in the world against those of my complexion.

Scraps of African Methodist Episcopal History 1902

Though she did not encourage, she would not reject the attentions of the polite and elegant stranger, who had so much that was agreeable to say that she insensibly acquired a kind of prepossession in his favour.

Woman's Trials 1847

If I have not been explicit enough in declaring my dislike to Mr. Solmes (that the prepossession which is charged upon me may not be supposed to influence me against him) I do absolutely declare, That were there no such man as Mr. Lovelace in the world, I would not have

Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 1 Samuel Richardson 1725

With respect to the Voll of poems I have sent, [1] in your hands, I fear nothing but your prepossession in my favour, which perhaps is quite as formidable an obstacle to encounter as a prepossession on the other side, it may disappoint you, be on your guard!

Letter 176 2009

-- Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned.

Paul Raushenbush: What Kind of Life Do You Want to Live? Reflections On Graduation Day 2010

-- Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned.

Paul Raushenbush: What Kind of Life Do You Want to Live? Reflections On Graduation Day 2010