ENTRENCH

also intrench verb Date: 1548 transitive verb 1. to place within or surround with a trench especially for defense, to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position, to establish solidly , to cut into ; furrow , intransitive verb to dig or occupy a trench for defensive purposes, to enter upon or take over something unfairly, improperly, or unlawfully ; encroach , ~ment noun