ETYM Cf. Old Fren. pocher to thrust or dig out with the fingers, to bruise (the eyes), French pouce thumb, Latin pollex, and also Eng. poach to cook eggs, to plunder, and poke to thrust against.
1. To encroach upon especially for the purpose of taking something.
2. To trespass for the purpose of stealing game; also; to take game or fish illegally.
3. To trespass on.
4. To hunt illegally.

To cook in a simmering liquid