Trespass

/ˈtrespəs/ verb/noun

Definition

To enter someone's property without permission; to intrude or encroach upon another's rights or domain.

Etymology

From Old French 'trespasser' meaning 'to pass across', composed of 'tres-' (across) and 'passer' (to pass). Originally meant any kind of wrongdoing or sin, but gradually narrowed to specifically mean unlawful entry onto another's property.

Kelly Says

The Lord's Prayer includes 'forgive us our trespasses' because 'trespass' originally meant any sin or wrongdoing, not just entering property illegally! The modern legal meaning is actually much narrower than the original religious sense of crossing moral boundaries.

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