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.
Hear it pronounced