▪ I. † enˈcroaching, vbl. n. Obs.
[f. encroach v. + -ing1.]
The action of the vb. encroach.
| 1539 Taverner Gard. Wysed. i. 40 a, By thy incrochyng of other mens realms. a 1639 W. Whately Prototypes ii. xxix. (1640) 144 Murder is a sinne..wronging God extreamely in presumptuous incroching upon his prerogative. 1643 Prynne Sov. Power Parl. iii. 36 The encroaching of the said royall power to them. |
▪ II. encroaching, ppl. a.
(ɛnˈkrəʊtʃɪŋ)
[f. encroach v. + -ing2.]
That encroaches.
| 1593 Shakes. 2 Hen. VI, iv. i. 96 The House of Yorke thrust from the Crowne, By lofty proud incroaching tyranny. 1649 Milton Eikon. xi. (1851) 426 It concern'd them first to sue out their Livery from the unjust wardship of his encroaching Prerogative. 1742 Richardson Pamela IV. 50 Ladies in your Way, are often like incroaching Subjects. 1853 Kane Grinnell Exp. xxix. (1856) 250 Our nobly-strengthened little craft rose up upon the encroaching floes bodily. 1873 Symonds Grk. Poets i. 26 The cold encroaching policy of Sparta. |