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cumber

verb
cum·​ber | \ ˈkəm-bər How to pronounce cumber (audio) \
cumbered; cumbering\ ˈkəm-​b(ə-​)riŋ How to pronounce cumbering (audio) \

Definition of cumber

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 archaic : trouble, harass
2a : to hinder or encumber by being in the way cumbered with heavy clothing
b : to clutter up rocks cumbering the yard

cumber

noun

Definition of cumber (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that cumbers especially : hindrance

First Known Use of cumber

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cumber

Verb

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

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The first known use of cumber was in the 14th century

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