17 February 2015

accroach

[uh-krohch]

verb (used with object)
1. to assume to oneself without right or authority; usurp.

Origin
Middle English, Anglo-French, Germanic
1275-1325; Middle English acrochen < Anglo-French a (c) crocher to catch hold of, seize, usurp, Old French: derivative of croc hook, crook1(< Germanic) with ac- ac-; cf. encroach

Related forms
accroachment, noun

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coach car

Today’s aphorism

Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.

– John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men.

On this day

17 February 1933 – End of Prohibition, when the US Senate passes the Blaine Act.

17 February 1934 – birth of Barry Humphries, Australian comedian, famous for characters such as Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.

17 February 2007 – Sylvester Stallone is held by Australian Customs for a couple of hours after prohibited items were confiscated from his baggage.