 | WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
| WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
Encumber
Pronunciation : En*cum"ber
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [F. encombrer; pref. en- (L. in) + OF. combrer to hinder. See Cumber, and cf. Incumber.] [Written also incumber.]
Definition : 1. To impede the motion or action of, as with a burden; to retard with something superfluous; to weigh down; to obstruct or embarrass; as, his movements were encumbered by his mantle; his mind is encumbered with useless learning. Not encumbered with any notable inconvenience. Hooker.
2. To load with debts, or other legal claims; as, to encumber an estate with mortgages.
Syn. -- To load; clog; oppress; overload; embarrass; perplex; hinder; retard; obstruct; check; block.
t. [imp. & p. p. Encumbered; p. pr. & vb. n. Encumbering.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
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