intrench

In*trench", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Intrenched; p. pr. & vb. n. Intrenching.] 1. To cut in; to furrow; to make trenches in or upon. It was this very sword intrenched it. Shak. His face Deep scars of thunder had intrenched. Milton. 2. To surround with a trench or with intrenchments, as in fortification; to fortify with a ditch and parapet; as, the army intrenched their camp, or intrenched itself. "In the suburbs close intrenched." Shak. In*trench", v. i. Defn: To invade; to encroach; to infringe or trespass; to enter on, and take possession of, that which belongs to another; -- usually followed by on or upon; as, the king was charged with intrenching on the rights of the nobles, and the nobles were accused of intrenching on the prerogative of the crown. We are not to intrench upon truth in any conversation, but least of all with children. Locke.

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