hamper 1
— hamperedly , adv. — hamperedness , n. — hamperer , n.
/ham"peuhr/ , v.t.
1. to hold back; hinder; impede: A steady rain hampered the progress of the work.
2. to interfere with; curtail: The dancers' movements were hampered by their elaborate costumes.
n.
3. Naut. gear that, although necessary to the operations of a vessel, is sometimes in the way.
[ 1300-50; ME hampren; akin to OE hamm enclosure, hemm HEM 1 ]
Syn. 1. obstruct, encumber, trammel, clog. See prevent .
Ant. 1. further, encourage, facilitate.
hamper 2
/ham"peuhr/ , n.
1. a large basket or wickerwork receptacle, usually with a cover: picnic hamper; clothes hamper.
2. Brit. such a basket together with its contents, esp. food.
[ 1350-1400; ME hampere, var. of hanypere HANAPER ]