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.