Obs. Also 4–5 enchace, 5 enchasse. [a. OF. enchacier, f. en- (see EN-1) + chacier (see CHASE, CATCH): cf. It. incacciare to drive.]
trans. To drive away, banish; to hunt, pursue.
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 2906. To the Galwis-warde … þay enchacede þan baroun.
14[?]. Tundale’s Vis., Purific. Marie, 128. And then all fylth from hur to enchase.
1430. Lydg., Chron. Troy, I. vi. Aurora … Is wonte t’ enchase the blacke skyes doune.
1480. Caxton, Chron. Eng., V. (1520), 43/2. The folke of Saxon … you have dryven and enchased.
1491. Act 7 Hen. VII., c. 20 § 6. The distres so take to lead dryve enchace and bere awey, [etc.].
1583. Stanyhurst, Æneis, I. (Arb.), 30. Swans twelue in coompany flushing … enchast with a murtherus eagle.
1741. T. Robinson, Gavelkind, II. viii. 263. He may lawfully enchase and drive them out.
