burden
1. bur.den \'b*rd-*n\ n [ME, fr. OE byrthen; akin to OE beran to carry] 1a: something that is carried : LOAD 1b: DUTY, RESPONSIBILITY 2: something oppressive or worrisome : ENCUMBRANCE 3a: CARGO, LADING {beast of ~} 3b: capacity for carrying cargo 2. burden \'b*rd-nin, -*n-in\ vt or bur.den.ing : LOAD, OPPRESS 3. burden n [alter. of bourdon] archaic 1: a bass or accompanying part 2a: CHORUS 2b: a recurring or emphasized idea or theme