I. ˈpōcch transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English pocchen, from Middle French pocher, from Old French poché poached, literally, bagged, from poche bag, pocket — more at pouch
Date: 15th century
: to cook in simmering liquid
II. 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 Literary Supplement
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