encumbrance

plural encumbrances · alternative incumbrance

1. countableuncountableSomething that encumbers; a burden that must be carried.

   Some consideration was necessary to decide whether or not to leave his rifle there. On the return, carrying the girl and a pack, it would be added encumbrance[…]

   1912 January, Zane Grey, chapter 8, in Riders of the Purple Sage […], New York, N.Y.; London: Harper & Brothers Publishers, →OCLC

   1 more example

   The giddiness of my new life, it seems, is wearing off, and frankly I (jobless, scheduleless, and incomeless though I may be—seemingly without encumbrances or restrictions) am feeling increasingly free but also completely trapped.

   2011, Margaret Roach, “The Giddiness Wears Off”, in And I Shall Have Some Peace There […], New York, N.Y.: Grand Central Publishing, →ISBN, page 169

2. alternativecountableuncountableAlternative spelling of incumbrance (“in law: interest attached to a title; dependent”).
3. countableuncountableThe state or condition of being encumbered.
4. countableuncountableFurniture or other large household item, especially when used or as waste.

present singular third person encumbrances · participle present encumbrancing · participle past encumbranced · past encumbranced · alternative incumbrance

1. lawTo apply an encumbrance to (property, etc.).