v.
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle French pocher, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle English poken to poke
Date: 1611
intransitive verb
1 : to encroach upon especially for the purpose of taking something
2 : to trespass for the purpose of stealing game also : to take game or fish illegally
transitive verb
1 : to trespass on <a field poach ed too frequently by the amateur ― Times Lit. Supp. >
2 a : to take (game or fish) by illegal methods b : to appropriate (something) as one's own c : to attract (as an employee or customer) away from a competitor