Encumber, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Encumbered; p. pr. & vb. n. Encumbering.]
Etymology: [F. encombrer; pref. en- (L. in) + OF. combrer to hinder. See Cumber, and cf. Incumber.]
[Written also incumber.]
1. To impede the motion or action of, as with a burden; to retard with something superfluous; to weigh down; to obstruct or embarrass; as, his movements were encumbered by his mantle; his mind is encumbered with useless learning. Not encumbered with any notable inconvenience. Hooker.
2. To load with debts, or other legal claims; as, to encumber an estate with mortgages.
Syn. -- To load; clog; oppress; overload; embarrass; perplex; hinder; retard; obstruct; check; block.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for encumber; he lists it under hinder.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.