hamper: Meaning and Definition of

ham•per

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.

1. gear that, although necessary to the operations of a vessel, is sometimes in the way.

ham•per

1. a large basket or wickerwork receptacle, usually with a cover: picnic hamper; clothes hamper.
2. such a basket together with its contents, esp. food.