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 ]

n. Encroachment. [ Obs. ] South. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who by gradual steps enters on, and takes possession of, what is not his own. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. By way of encroachment. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The act of entering gradually or silently upon the rights or possessions of another; unlawful intrusion. [ 1913 Webster ]

An unconstitutional encroachment of military power on the civil establishment. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is taken by encroaching on another. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) An unlawful diminution of the possessions of another. [ 1913 Webster ]