GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Encroach , 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.
   1913 Webster
   No sense, faculty, or member must encroach upon or interfere with the duty and office of another.
   South.
   
   1913 Webster
   Superstition, . . . a creeping and encroaching evil.
   Hooker.
   
   1913 Webster
   Exclude the encroaching cattle from thy ground.
   Dryden.
   Syn. -- To intrude; trench; infringe; invade; trespass.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Encroach, n. Encroachment. [Obs.]
   South.
   
   1913 Webster