Webster's English Dictionary

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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