Category:Encroach

En*croach", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Encroached; p. pr. & vb. n. Encroaching.] Etym: [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.]

Defn: 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.

encroach En*croach", n.

Defn: Encroachment. [Obs.] South.