n. & v.
--n.
1. a load, esp. a heavy one.
2 an oppressive duty, obligation, expense, emotion, etc.
3 the bearing of loads (beast of burden).
4 (also archaic burthen) a ship's carrying-capacity, tonnage.
5 a the refrain or chorus of a song. b the chief theme or gist of a speech, book, poem, etc.
--v.tr. load with a burden; encumber, oppress.
Phrases and idioms:
burden of proof the obligation to prove one's case.
Derivatives:
burdensome adj.
Etymology: OE byrthen: rel. to BIRTH