n. [O. Eng. burdene, burdoun, the burden of a song, the bass in music, Fr. bourdon, great bell, drone, humble-bee, Sp. bordon, Pg. bordão, It. bordone, L. Lat. burdo, drone, Fr. bourdonner, to hum, buzz, drone.]
1Sense 1. The verse repeated in a song, or the return of the theme at the end of each stanza; the chorus; refrain. Hence, that which is often repeated; the main topic; as, the burden of a prayer.
I would sing my song without a burden. Shak.
2Sense 2. [See BOURDON.] A club. [Obs.] Spenser.
3Sense 3. (Mining.) The tops or heads of stream-work which lie over the stream of tin, and which must be first cleansed. Weale.
Beast of burden, an animal employed in carrying burdens.—Burden of proof [Lat. onus probandi] (Law), the necessity or duty of proving a fact or facts in dispute on an issue raised between the parties in a cause. Burvill.
Synonyms—BURDEN, LOAD. A burden is, in the literal sense, a weight to be borne; a load is something laid upon us to be carried. Hence, when used figuratively, there is usually a difference between the two words. Our burdens may be of such a nature that we feel bound to bear them cheerfully or without complaint. They may arise from the nature of our situation; they may be allotments of Providence; they may be the consequence of our errors. What is cast upon us as a load we commonly carry with greater reluctance or sense of oppression. Men often find the charge of their own families to be a burden; but if to this be added a load of care for others, the pressure is usually severe and irksome.
Strive
In offices of love how we may lighten
Each other's burden, in our share of woe. Milton.
And all that freedom's highest aim can reach,
Is but to lay proportioned loads on each. Goldsmith.