cumber

1 of 2

verb

cum·​ber ˈkəm-bər 

cumbered; cumbering ˈkəm-b(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

archaic : trouble, harass

2

a

: to hinder or encumber by being in the way

cumbered with heavy clothing

b

: to clutter up

rocks cumbering the yard

cumber

2 of 2

noun

: something that cumbers

especially : hindrance

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English combren, short for acombren, from Anglo-French acumbrer, encumbrer — more at encumber

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above