In*fringe" (?), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Infringed (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Infringing (?).] [L. infringere; pref.
in- in + frangere to break. See Fraction, and
cf. Infract .] 1. To break; to violate;
to transgress; to neglect to fulfill or obey; as, to infringe
a law or contract.
If the first that did the edict infringe,
Had answered for his deed.
Shak.
The peace . . . was infringed by Appius
Claudius.
Golding.
2. To hinder; to destroy; as, to
infringe efficacy; to infringe delight or power.
[Obs.] Hooker.
In*fringe", v. i. 1.
To break, violate, or transgress some contract, rule, or law; to
injure; to offend.
2. To encroach; to trespass; -- followed by
on or upon; as, to infringe upon the rights of
another.