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.