Ham"per (?), 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.
© Webster 1913.
Ham"per, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hampered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Hampering.]
To put in a hamper.
© Webster 1913.
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; 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.
© Webster 1913.
Ham"per, n. [See Hamper to shackle.]
1.
A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes.
W. Browne.
2. Naut.
Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times.
Ham. Nav. Encyc.
Top hamper Naut., unnecessary spars and rigging kept aloft.
© Webster 1913.