encumbrance

1. Something that encumbers; a burden that must be carried.
   • 1912 January, Zane Grey, chapter 8, in Riders of the Purple Sage: A Novel, New York, N.Y.; London: Harper & Brothers Publishers, OCLC 6868219 ↗:

     Some consideration was necessary to decide whether or not to leave his rifle there. On the return, carrying the girl and a pack, it would be added encumbrance […]

2. (legal) An interest, right, burden, or liability attached to a title of land, such as a lien or mortgage.
3. (legal) One who is dependent on another.

   a widow without encumbrances, i.e. without children

• encumberment

• German: Belastung, dingliche Belastung

• German: Verschuldung, Schuldenlast, Grundstückslast