Dictionary entry

Overtake

Webster's Dictionary 1913

O′ver‐take″ (?), v. t. [imp.Overtook (?); p. p.Overtaken (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Overtaking.]

1. To come up with in a course, pursuit, progress, or motion; to catch up with.

Follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say... Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good. Gen. xliv. 4.

He had him overtaken in his flight. Spenser.

2. To come upon from behind; to discover; to surprise; to capture; to overcome.

If a man be overtaken in a fault. Gal. vi. 1

I shall see

The winged vengeance overtake such children. Shak.

3. Hence, figuratively, in the past participle (overtaken), drunken. Holland.