Hamper, v. t.
Etymology: [OE. hamperen, hampren, prob. of the same origin as E. hamble.]
To put a hamper or fetter on; to shackle; to insnare; to inveigle; hence, to impede in motion or progress; to embarrass; to encumber. "Hampered nerves." Blackmore. A lion hampered in a net. L'Estrange. They hamper and entangle our souls. Tillotson.
3 other Webster entries under this spelling
Hamper, n.
A large basket, usually with a cover, used for the packing and carrying of articles; as, a hamper of wine; a clothes hamper; an oyster hamper, which contains two bushels.
Hamper, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hampered; p. pr. & vb. n. Hampering.]
To put in a hamper.
Hamper, n.
1. A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes. W. Browne.
2. (Naut.)
Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times. Ham. Nav. Encyc. Top hamper (Naut.), unnecessary spars and rigging kept aloft.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for hamper; he lists it under hinder.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.