burthen
noun
Definitions
A heavy load.
A responsibility, onus.
A cause of worry; that which is grievous, wearisome, or oppressive.
The capacity of a vessel, or the weight of cargo that she will carry.
Example: a ship of a hundred tons burden
verb
Definitions
To encumber with a literal or figurative burden.
Example: to burden a nation with taxes
To impose, as a load or burden; to lay or place as a burden (something heavy or objectionable).
noun
Definitions
The tonnage of a ship based on the number of tuns of wine that it could carry in its holds.