encumber

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Not encumbered with any notable inconvenience. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]