[syn: hindrance, hinderance, hitch, preventive, preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance, interference]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Incumbrance \In*cum"brance\, n. [See Encumbrance.] [Written
also encumbrance.]
[1913 Webster]
1. A burdensome and troublesome load; anything that impedes
motion or action, or renders it difficult or laborious;
clog; impediment; hindrance; check. --Cowper.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Law) A burden or charge upon property; a claim or lien
upon an estate, which may diminish its value.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
incumbrance
n 1: a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage) [syn:
encumbrance, incumbrance]
2: an onerous or difficult concern; "the burden of
responsibility"; "that's a load off my mind" [syn: burden,
load, encumbrance, incumbrance, onus]
3: any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome [syn:
hindrance, hinderance, hitch, preventive,
preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance, interference]