En-cūm'ber, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. ENCUMBERED; p. pr. & vb. n. ENCUMBERING.] [Fr. encombrer, Pr. encombrar, It. ingombrare, from Lat. cumulus, heap, L. Lat. combrus, cumbrus, a barricade of felled trees, Pg. combro, comoro, heap of earth.] [Written also incumber, q. v.]
Sense 1. To impede the motion or action of, as with a burden; to weigh down; to obstruct, embarrass, or perplex. “Encumbered in his vest.” Dryden.
Sense 2. To load with debts, mortgages, or other legal claims; as, to encumber an estate with mortgages.
Synonyms—To load; clog; oppress; overload; embarrass; perplex; hinder.