Hamper
WordNet
noun
(1) A basket usually with a cover
(2) A restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
verb
(3) Prevent the progress or free movement of
"He was hampered in his efforts by the bad weather"
"The imperialist nation wanted to strangle the free trade between the two small countries"
(4) Put at a disadvantage
"The brace I have to wear is hindering my movements"
WiktionaryText
English
Etymology 1
Contracted from Anglo-French hanaper, itself from , from , from Frank.
Noun
- A large basket, usually with a cover, used for the packing and carrying of articles or small animals; as,
- a hamper of wine
- a clothes hamper
- an oyster hamper, which contains two bushels
Verb
- To put into a hamper.
- Competition pigeons are hampered for the truck trip to the point of release where the race back starts
Etymology 2
Old English hamperen, hampren, probably of the same origin as English hamble
Verb
- To put a hamper or fetter on; to shackle; to ensnare; to inveigle; hence, to impede in motion or progress; to embarrass; to encumber.
- Blackmore:
- Hampered nerves.
- Roger L'Estrange:
- A lion hampered in a net.
- John Tillotson:
- They hamper and entangle our souls.
- Blackmore:
Noun
- A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes.
- Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times.