v. 1 tr. (also absol.) catch (game or fish) illegally. 2 intr. (often foll. by on) trespass or encroach (on another's property, ideas, etc.). 3 tr. appropriate illicitly or unfairly (a person, thing, idea, etc.). 4 tr. Tennis etc. take (a shot) in one's partner's portion of the court. 5 a tr. trample or cut up (turf) with hoofs. b intr. (of land) become sodden by being trampled. poacher n.
[ earlier poche, perh. f. F pocher put in a pocket (as POACH(1)) ]