- poach
- poachpoach1 [pōch]vt.[ME pochen < MFr pochier, to pocket < poche, pouch, pocket (< Frank * pokka, pocket: for IE base see POKE2): the yolk is “pocketed” in the white]to cook (fish, an egg without its shell, etc.) in water or other liquid near boiling point, or in a small receptacle placed over boiling waterpoach2 [pōch]vt.[Fr pocher < OFr pochier, to tread upon, intrude < MHG bochen, puchen, to strike upon, plunder, akin to POKE1]1. to soften, tear up, or make holes in (ground) by stamping; trample2. to mix with water until smooth3.a) to trespass on (private property), esp. for hunting or fishingb) to hunt or catch (game or fish) illegally, esp. by trespassing4. to take (anything) by unfair or illegal methods; stealvi.1. to sink into soft or wet earth when walking2. to become soggy or full of holes when trampled; turn into mud3. to hunt or fish illegally, esp. by trespassing on4. Racket Sports to return a shot near the net that was intended for one's partner in the back courtpoachern.
English World dictionary. V. Neufeldt. 2014.