HAMPER Ham"per, v. t. Etym: [OE. hamperen, hampren, prob. of the same origin as E. hamble.]
Defn: To put a hamper or fetter on; to shackle; to insnare; to inveigle; hence, to impede in motion or progress; to embarrass; to encumber. "Hampered nerves." Blackmore. A lion hampered in a net. L'Estrange. They hamper and entangle our souls. Tillotson.
HAMPER
Ham"per, n. Etym: [See Hamper to shackle.]
1. A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes. W. Browne.
2. (Naut.)
Defn: Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times. Ham. Nav. Encyc. Top hamper (Naut.), unnecessary spars and rigging kept aloft.
HAMSHACKLE
Ham"shac`kle, v. t. Etym: [Ham + shackle.]
Defn: To fasten (an animal) by a rope binding the head to one of the fore legs; as, to hamshackle a horse or cow; hence, to bind or restrain; to curb.
HAMSTER
Ham"ster, n. Etym: [G. hamster.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A small European rodent (Cricetus frumentarius). It is remarkable for having a pouch on each side of the jaw, under the skin, and for its migrations.