The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Encircle \En*cir"cle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Encircled; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Encircling.] [Pref. en- + circle: cf. OF.
   encercler.]
   To form a circle about; to inclose within a circle or ring;
   to surround; as, to encircle one in the arms; the army
   encircled the city.
   [1913 Webster]

         Her brows encircled with his serpent rod. --Parnell.

   Syn: To encompass; surround; environ; inclose.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

encircle
    v 1: form a circle around; "encircle the errors" [syn:
         encircle, circle]
    2: bind with something round or circular [syn: gird,
       encircle]