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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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