O`ver*take" (?), v. t. [imp. Overtook (?); p. p. Overtaken (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Overtaking.]

1.

To come up with in a course, pursuit, progress, or motion; to catch up with.

Follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say . . . Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good. Gen. xliv. 4.

He had him overtaken in his flight. Spenser.

2.

To come upon from behind; to discover; to surprise; to capture; to overcome.

If a man be overtaken in a fault. Gal. vi. 1

I shall see The winged vengeance overtake such children. Shak.

3.

Hence, figuratively, in the past participle (overtaken), drunken.

[Obs.]

Holland.

 

© Webster 1913.

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