Ō'/ver-tāke', v. t.
v. t. [imp. OVERTOOK; p. p. OVERTAKEN; p. pr. & vb. n. OVERTAKING.]
Sense 1. To come up with in a course, pursuit, progress, or motion; to catch.
Had he not in his extremest need Been helped through the swiftness of his steed, He had him overtaken in his flight. Spenser.
Sense 2. To come upon; to fall on afterward; to take by surprise.
I shall see The winged vengeance overtake such children. Shak.
Sense 3. To make drunk; to intoxicate. [Obs.]
Whosoever taketh the lights of a mutton, roasted, and eateth the same before he sit down to drinking, shall not be overtaken or drunken, how freely soever he poureth down the wine. Holland.