En·cum·ber v. t. [imp. & p. p. Encumbered p. pr. & vb. n. Encumbering.]  [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.

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