poacher

¹

[ poh-cher ]

noun

1. a person who trespasses on private property, especially to catch fish or game illegally.
2. Also called sea-poacher. any of several slender, marine fishes of the family Agonidae, found chiefly in deeper waters of the North Pacific, having the body covered with bony plates.

poacher

²

[ poh-cher ]

noun

1. a pan having a tight-fitting lid and metal cups for steaming or poaching poach poaching eggs.
2. any dish or pan used for poaching poach poaching food, especially a baking dish for poaching poach poaching fish.

poacher

¹

/ ˈpəʊtʃə /

noun

1. a metal pan with individual cups for poaching eggs

poacher

²

/ ˈpəʊtʃə /

noun

1. a person who illegally hunts game, fish, etc, on someone else's property
2. poacher turned gamekeeper
   poacher turned gamekeeper someone whose occupation or behaviour is the opposite of what it previously was, such as a burglar who now advises on home security

Word History and Origins

Origin of poacher¹

First recorded in 1660–70; poach ² + -er ¹

Origin of poacher²

First recorded in 1860–65; poach ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Students and staff at a field site in Tanzania pretended to be poachers.

From Science News For Students

More potential poachers might be roaming during this season, either because they’re legally hunting other prey or because they’re willing to use the commotion of the hunts as cover.

From Popular-Science

However, the evidence that males cannot develop this trait is troubling, particularly since male elephants are already targeted more by poachers because of their larger tusks.

From Popular-Science

When ivory poachers target elephants, the hunters can affect more than just animal numbers.

From Science News

These animals may be especially restless because they must be on high alert for poachers.

From Science News For Students

A boy kills a poacher, whereupon his father and grandfather argues about what to do.

From The Daily Beast

Instead, he finds a poacher, raises his rifle, and fires a lethal blast.

From The Daily Beast

The very best and most daring poacher I know lives within five-and-twenty minutes' journey from Waterloo.

From Project Gutenberg

No burglar ever brags of his exploits; the poacher always boasts, and always receives applause.

From Project Gutenberg

And he is not a poacher and a snarer, and I don't know what all, leading a lawless life, and thieving for his living?

From Project Gutenberg

Dafydd, who had the eyes of a river-poacher, knew both the cart and the two men who rode on the load.

From Project Gutenberg

“Thanks, maiden, you are kind and considerate to an avowed poacher,” replied Edward.

From Project Gutenberg