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.
© Webster 1913.
En*croach", n.
Encroachment.
[Obs.]
South.
© Webster 1913.