From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
hamper
n 1: a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially
something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner) [syn:
shackle, bond, trammel, trammels]
2: a basket usually with a cover
v 1: prevent the progress or free movement of; "He was hampered
in his efforts by the bad weather"; "the imperilist
nation wanted to strangle the free trade between the two
small countries" [syn: halter, cramp, strangle]
2: put at a disadvantage; "The brace I have to wear is
hindering my movements" [syn: handicap, hinder]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Hamper \Ham"per\ (h[a^]m"p[~e]r), n. [Contr. fr. hanaper.]
A large basket, usually with a cover, used for the packing
and carrying of articles; as, a hamper of wine; a clothes
hamper; an oyster hamper, which contains two bushels.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Hamper \Ham"per\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hampered (-p[~e]rd); p.
pr. & vb. n. Hampering.]
To put in a hamper.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Hamper \Ham"per\, v. t. [OE. hamperen, hampren, prob. of the
same origin as E. hamble.]
To put a hamper or fetter on; to shackle; to insnare; to
inveigle; to entangle; hence, to impede in motion or
progress; to embarrass; to encumber. "Hampered nerves."
--Blackmore.
[1913 Webster]
A lion hampered in a net. --L'Estrange.
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They hamper and entangle our souls. --Tillotson.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Hamper \Ham"per\, n. [See Hamper to shackle.]
1. A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes. --W. Browne.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.) Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way
at certain times. --Ham. Nav. Encyc.
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Top hamper (Naut.), unnecessary spars and rigging kept
aloft.
[1913 Webster]