Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[Cf. OF.

encombrance

. Cf.

That which encumbers; a burden which impedes action, or renders it difficult and laborious; a clog; an impediment. See

Syn. – Burden; clog; impediment; check; hindrance.

Noun.

A load; any thing that impedes motion, or renders it difficult and laborious; clog; impediment.

Useless addition or load.

Strip from the branching Alps their piny load,

The huge encumbrance of horrific wood.

Load or burden on an estate; a legal claim on an estate, for the discharge of which the estate is liable.