Past tense of encase; completely surrounded or covered something, as if putting it in a case or container.
From prefix 'en-' (in, into) plus 'case' (from Latin 'capsa', meaning box). The word developed in the 17th century to describe completely surrounding something for protection.
The word beautifully captures the protective nature of complete covering - from insects encased in amber millions of years ago to modern electronics encased in waterproof housing. Medieval knights were literally encased in armor, making them walking fortresses.
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