from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Encounter \En*coun"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Encountered}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Encountering}.] [OF. encontrer; pref. en- (L.
in) + contre against, L. contra. See {Counter}, adv.]
To come against face to face; to meet; to confront, either by
chance, suddenly, or deliberately; especially, to meet in
opposition or with hostile intent; to engage in conflict
with; to oppose; to struggle with; as, to encounter a friend
in traveling; two armies encounter each other; to encounter
obstacles or difficulties, to encounter strong evidence of a
truth.
[1913 Webster]
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the
Stoics, encountered him. --Acts xvii.
18.
[1913 Webster]
I am most fortunate thus accidentally to encounter you.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]