1. A duty or responsibility (the seller’s burden to insure the shipped goods).
2. Something that hinders or oppresses (a burden on interstate commerce).
3. A restriction on the use or value of land; an encumbrance (the easement created a burden on the estate).
4. Scots law. An encumbrance, restriction, or obligation imposed on a person or on property ( the burden of curatorship) (a servitude is a burden on land). • When the burden is on real property, it is called a real burden. — burden, vb. — burdensome, adj.
undue burden. A substantial and unjust obstacle to the performance of a duty or enjoyment of a right. • For example, excessive discovery requests place an undue burden on the person who must produce the data requested. And a state law requiring a particular kind of mud flap on trucks may place an undue burden on the flow of interstate commerce.
