See Also: enclose(dictionary)
enclose(dictionary)

enclose (iou)



enclose verb trans. . ME.

Orig., shut up in or in a room or building; imprison. Now only, seclude in a religious community from the outside world (chiefly as enclosed pa. pple). ME.
C. Marlowe In the strongest tower Enclose him fast. O. Shipley The nuns live in community, but are not enclosed.
Of things: surround; envelop; contain; Math. (of two lines) form (an angle) at their intersection. ME.
R. L. Stevenson A house with lawns enclosing it. G. Greene The darkness had long enclosed them both.
Surround with or with a wall, fence, etc., to prevent free passage in and out. LME.
E. F. Benson Parallel brick walls enclosing strips of garden belonging to neighbouring houses.
b. Put hedges, walls, etc., on (waste or common land) for the purpose of cultivation or allocation to individual owners. LME.
H. Martineau An Act of Parliament is to be obtained for enclosing Brook common.
c. Of an army, a body of people, etc.: surround; hem in. Now rare. LME.
H. Phillips Endeavor to enclose the British army and navy in the Delaware bay.
Insert in or in (a container etc.); cover completely; esp. place (a document) in the same envelope as a letter. LME.
P. Mortimer Dear Mrs. Evans, I enclose a cheque for 10.
enclosed ppl adjective & noun (a) ppl adjective that is enclosed; (b) noun a thing that is enclosed with a letter (usu. preceded by the): L16.
encloser noun (a) a jeweller; (b) a person who encloses something, esp. common land: LME.