Hypertext Webster Gateway: "encumbrance"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Incumbrance \In*cum"brance\, n. [See {Encumbrance}.] [Written
also {encumbrance}.]
1. A burdensome and troublesome load; anything that impedes
motion or action, or renders it difficult or laborious;
clog; impediment; hindrance; check. --Cowper.
2. (Law) A burden or charge upon property; a claim or lien
upon an estate, which may diminish its value.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Encumbrance \En*cum"brance\, n. [Cf. OF. encombrance. Cf.
{Incumbrance}.]
1. That which encumbers; a burden which impedes action, or
renders it difficult and laborious; a clog; an impediment.
See {Incumbrance}.
2. (Law) Same as {Incumbrance}.
Syn: Burden; clog; impediment; check; hindrance.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
encumbrance
n 1: an onerous or difficult concern; "the burden of
responsibility"; "that's a load off my mind" [syn: {burden},
{load}, {incumbrance}, {onus}]
2: a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage) [syn: {incumbrance}]
3: any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome [syn: {hindrance},
{hitch}, {preventive}, {preventative}, {incumbrance}, {interference}]
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