Encroach \En*croach"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Encroached; p. pr.
& vb. n. Encroaching.]
[OF. encrochier to perch, prop., to
hook, fasten a hook (perh. confused with acrochier, F.
accrocher, to hook, get hold of, E. accroach); pref. en- (L.
in) + F. croc hook. See Crook, and cf. Accroach.]
To enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions
or rights of another; to trespass; to intrude; to trench; --
commonly with on or upon; as, to encroach on a neighbor; to
encroach on the highway.
No sense, faculty, or member must encroach upon or
interfere with the duty and office of another. --South.
Superstition, . . . a creeping and encroaching evil.
--Hooker.
Exclude the encroaching cattle from thy ground.
--Dryden.
Syn: To intrude; trench; infringe; invade; trespass.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
|