hamper

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   prevent the progress or free movement of

   I was hampered in my efforts by the bad weather.

2. 2
   noun

   A large basket, usually with a cover, used for the packing and carrying of articles or small animals.

   a hamper of wine

3. 3
   verb

   To put into a hamper.

   Competition pigeons are hampered for the truck trip to the point of release where the race back starts.

4. 4
   verb

   To put a hamper or fetter on; to shackle.

   Near-synonym: hobble

5. 5
   verb

   To impede in motion or progress.

   Engend'ring heats, these one by one unbind, Stretch their small tubes, and hamper'd nerves unwind.

6. 6
   noun

   Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times.

   One afternoon there was a mighty queer noise aloft, which set the men running in every direction. It was the main-t'-gallant-mast. Crash! it broke off just above the cap, and held there by the rigging, dashed with every roll from side to side, with all the hamper that belonged to it.

7. 7
   noun

   a basket usually with a cover

8. 8
   noun

   a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)

Etymology

From Middle English hamper, contracted from hanaper, hanypere, from Anglo-Norman hanaper, Old French hanapier, hanepier (“case for holding a large goblet or cup”), from hanap (“goblet, drinking cup”), from Frankish *hnapp (“cup, bowl, basin”), from Proto-Germanic *hnappaz (“cup, bowl”). Cognate with Old High German hnapf (“cup, bowl, basin”) (German Napf (“bowl”)), Dutch nap (“cup”), Old English hnæpp (“bowl”). More at nap.