All 3 Uses
encumber
in
Oliver Twist
(Auto-generated)
- Mr. Gamfield smiled, too, as he perused the document; for five pounds was just the sum he had been wishing for; and, as to the boy with which it was encumbered, Mr. Gamfield, knowing what the dietary of the workhouse was, well knew he would be a nice small pattern, just the very thing for register stoves.†
Chpt 3 *encumbered = hindered
- These frank admissions softened Mr. Giles, who at once owned that he was afraid; upon which, they all three faced about, and ran back again with the completest unanimity, until Mr. Giles (who had the shortest wind of the party, as was encumbered with a pitchfork) most handsomely insisted on stopping, to make an apology for his hastiness of speech.†
Chpt 28
- Her companion was not encumbered with much luggage, as there merely dangled from a stick which he carried over his shoulder, a small parcel wrapped in a common handkerchief, and apparently light enough.†
Chpt 42
Definitions:
-
(1)
(encumber) hinder (make more difficult, or less valuable, hold back, or weigh down)In real estate/business/law, to encumber is to specifically burden with a legal claim, e.g., a home might be encumbered with a mortgage.
- (2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)