Advertisement

encumbrance (n.)

c. 1300, "trouble, difficulty; ensnarement, temptation," from Old French encombrance "encumbrance, obstruction; calamity, trouble," from encombrer (see encumber). Meaning "that which encumbers, impediment, obstacle" is from late 14c. in English.

Others are reading

Advertisement
Definitions of encumbrance from WordNet

encumbrance (n.)
an onerous or difficult concern;
Synonyms: burden / load / incumbrance / onus
encumbrance (n.)
a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage);
Synonyms: incumbrance
encumbrance (n.)
any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome;
From wordnet.princeton.edu