Encroach

[from L. Fr. encrocher, q. v.] To gain unlawfully upon the rights or possession of another; to take more than is one's right or due.* " If the tenant holds by fealty and a hawk, and the lord encroaches a horse."

Ploiocl.

94 a. ** If the tenant holds by fealty and ^ 2s. rent, and the lord encroaches 4«., or if the tenant holds by one horse and the lord encroaches two horses." Id. ibid. Cowell derives this word from the Fr. accrocher^ in which he is followed by Webster. But the L. Fr. fitcrocher (q. v.) was constantly used. Anciently written Incroch (q. v.)