Hypertext Webster Gateway: "encumber"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Encumber \En*cum"ber\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Encumbered}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Encumbering}.] [F. encombrer; pref. en- (L. in) +
OF. combrer to hinder. See {Cumber}, and cf. {Incumber}.]
[Written also {incumber}.]
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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
encumber
v : hold back [syn: {restrain}, {cumber}, {constrain}]
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