(ˌ)pərˈpres(h)chər noun
or pour·pres·ture pu̇r-
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, alteration of purpresure, propresure, from porprendre to seize, occupy, enclose from por for + prendre to take, from Latin prehendere — more at purchase , prehensile
1. : wrongful appropriation of land subject to the rights of others: as
a. : an encroachment upon or enclosure of real estate subject to common or public rights (as highways, rivers, harbors, forts)
b. Britain : encroachment upon the royal domain (as the royal forests)
2. : property enclosed or seized by purpresture