‖n. [ Jap. inrō; in seal + rō box. ] A small closed receptacle or set of receptacles of hard material, as lacquered wood, iron, bronze, or ivory, used by the Japanese to hold medicines, perfumes, and the like, and carried in the girdle. It is usually secured by a silk cord by which the wearer may grasp it, which cord passes through an ornamental button or knob called a netsuke. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. The entrance of an enemy into a country with purposes of hostility; a sudden or desultory incursion or invasion; raid; encroachment. [ 1913 Webster ]

The loss of Shrewsbury exposed all North Wales to the daily inroads of the enemy. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

With perpetual inroads to alarm,
Though inaccessible, his fatal throne. Milton.

Syn. -- Invasion; incursion; irruption. See Invasion. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Inroaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Inroading. ] To make an inroad into; to invade. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The Saracens . . . conquered Spain, inroaded Aquitaine. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. See Enroll. [ 1913 Webster ]