cumber

Cumber is an English noun and verb with meanings tied to hindrance or burden. As a noun, it denotes something that encumbers or weighs down, and in modern English the sense is largely archaic, found mainly in historical or literary texts. The term has given rise to related forms such as cumbrous and encumbrance, which express burdens or obstacles.

As a verb, cumber means to burden, hinder, or encumber. It is now uncommon in everyday usage, having largely been superseded by encumber or burden. When it does appear, it tends to occur in elevated, archaic, or quotation-like prose, or in discussions of historical language.

Etymology and origins: cumber derives from Old English and is historically linked to the same root as encumber and cumbersome. Over time, the verb and noun took on the sense of hindering or weighing down, while the compound and derivative forms became more common in modern speech.

Usage today: Outside of literature, history, or linguistic discussion, cumber is rarely used. Most contemporary writers prefer encumber, burden, or encumbrance to express hindrance or load. The word occasionally appears in discussions of language history, in archival texts, or as part of surnames and quoted Bible or classical passages.

In summary, cumber is a historical term for hindrance or burden, primarily encountered today in pale texts and discussions of etymology, with modern English favoring related words such as encumber and cumbersome.