Entry Word: burden

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a mass or quantity of something taken up and carried, conveyed, or transported <the early settlers often used horses to carry their burdens> — see load 1
2 a part of a song or hymn that is repeated every so often <had some trouble coming up with a burden for the song> — see chorus 2
3 something one must do because of prior agreement <the burden of homework prevented me from joining my friends at the game> — see obligation