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Webster 1913 Edition
Encumber
En-cum′ber
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Encumbered
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Encumbering
.] [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.
Syn. – To load; clog; oppress; overload; embarrass; perplex; hinder; retard; obstruct; check; block.
Webster 1828 Edition
Encumber
ENCUM'BER
, v.t.1.
To load; to clog; to impede motion with a load, burden or any thing inconvenient to the limbs; to render motion or operation difficult or laborious.2.
To embarrass; to perplex; to obstruct.3.
To load with debts; as, an estate is encumbered with mortgages, or with a widow's dower.