Webster's 1828 Dictionary
PURPRESTURE
n.In law, a nuisance, consisting in an inclosure of or encroachment on something that belongs to the public; as a house erected or inclosure made on the king's demesnes, or of a highway, etc.
Webster's 1913 Dictionary
PURPRESTURE
Pur *pres "ture, n. Etym: [Probably corrupted (see Prest ) fr. OF. pourprisure, fr. pourprendre: cf. LL. purprestura. Cf. Purprise. ] (Law )
Defn: Wrongful encroachment upon another's property; esp. , any encroachment upon, or inclosure of, that which should be common or public, as highways, rivers, harbors, forts, etc. [Written also pourpresture. ]
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