Encroached

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. [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]