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.
