[en-kuhm-bruh
ns] 
| 1. | something that encumbers; something burdensome, useless, or superfluous; burden; hindrance: Poverty was a lifelong encumbrance. |
| 2. | a dependent person, esp. a child. |
| 3. | Law. a burden or claim on property, as a mortgage. |
encumbrance
A liability on real property. For example, a mortgage encumbers title to real estate because the lender has an interest in the property. Compare unencumbered.
A commitment within an organization to use funds for a specific purpose. Thus, a college may encumber funds for later payment to cover expenses associated with a faculty member's trip to recruit new professors.