Overrun

v. t. [imp. OVERRAN; p. p. OVERRUN; p. pr. & vb. n. OVERRUNNING.]

1. To run or spread over in a prolific manner or in excess; to grow all over; — said especially of that which is noxious; as, the Canada thistle is overrunning the northern parts of New England, as it has overrun Normandy.
2. Hence, to spread over and take possession of; to overcome by an invasion.

The barbarous nations that overran the world possessed those dominions, whereof they are now so called. Addison. 3. To subdue; to oppress. None of them the feeble overran. Spencer. 4. To outrun; to run faster than, and overtake. Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi. 2 Sam. xxiii. 23. 5. (Print.) (a.) To change the disposition of, as of types, and carry those of one line into another, either in correction, or in the contraction or extension of columns or lines. (b.) To extend beyond the previous length of, as a line or column, by the insertion of new matter.