hamper

views updated May 18 2018

ham·per1 / ˈhampər/ • n. a large basket with a lid used for laundry: a laundry hamper. ∎  a basket with a carrying handle and a hinged lid, used for food, cutlery, and plates on a picnic: a picnic hamper.ham·per2 • v. [tr.] (often be hampered) hinder or impede the movement or progress of: their work is hampered by lack of funds.• n. Naut. necessary but cumbersome equipment on a ship.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

hamper

views updated May 21 2018

hamper1 large wicker-work receptacle. XIV. Reduced form of AN. hanaper, OF. hanapier, f. (O) F. hanap drinking-vessel, cup (of Gmc. orig.); see -ER2.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

hamper

views updated May 18 2018

hamper2 obstruct the movement of. XIV. of unkn. orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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