v. ? Obs. [f. L. aucupāt- ppl. stem of aucupāri, -āre, f. aucup-em (nom. auceps = aviceps) bird-catcher, f. avi-s bird + capĕre to take.] lit. To go a bird-catching; fig. (as in L.) to lie in wait for, hunt after, gain by craft.
1630. R. H., in J. Taylor’s (Water P.) Wks., A v b/1. To aucupate great fauours from Apollo.
1834. Gentl. Mag., CIV. I. 66. To aucupate benefices, by cajoling the Patrons.
