cumber

Etymology 1

From Middle English combren, borrowed from the second element of Old French encombrer, ultimately from Proto-Celtic *kombereti (“to bring together”). Cognate with German kümmern (“to take care of”).

verb

1. (transitive, dated) To slow down; to hinder; to burden; to encumber.
   The multiplying variety of arguments, especially frivolous ones, […] but cumbers the memory.
   […] the base villain who murdered this poor defenceless old man, when he had not, by the course of nature, a twelvemonth's life in him, shall not cumber the earth long after him. 1886, Sir Walter Scott, The Fortunes of Nigel. Pub.: Adams & Charles Black, Edinburgh; page 321
   [T]hese people, whose name, much as I would like to express my gratitude to them, I may not even give here, nevertheless cumbered themselves with me, sheltered me and protected me from myself. 1898, H.G. Wells, The War of the Worlds, London: William Heinemann, page 290
   Why had he not killed himself long ago? Why cumbered he the earth? 1911, Max Beerbohm, Zuleika Dobson

Etymology 2

noun

1. (colloquial) Clipping of cucumber.