n. [ L. impedimentum: cf. F. impediment. ] That which impedes or hinders progress, motion, activity, or effect. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thus far into the bowels of the land
Have we marched on without impediment. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Impediment in speech, a defect which prevents distinct utterance.

Syn. -- Hindrance; obstruction; obstacle; difficulty; incumbrance. -- Impediment, Obstacle, Difficulty, Hindrance. An impediment literally strikes against our feet, checking our progress, and we remove it. An obstacle rises before us in our path, and we surmount or remove it. A difficulty sets before us something hard to be done, and we encounter it and overcome it. A hindrance holds us back for a time, but we break away from it. [ 1913 Webster ]

The eloquence of Demosthenes was to Philip of Macedon, a difficulty to be met with his best resources, an obstacle to his own ambition, and an impediment in his political career. C. J. Smith. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To impede. [ R. ] Bp. Reynolds. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. pl. [ L. See Impediment, Impede. ] Things which impede or hinder progress; incumbrances; baggage; specif. (Mil.), the supply trains which must accompany an army.

On the plains they will have horses dragging travoises, dogs with travoises, women and children loaded with impedimenta. Julian Ralph. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. Of the nature of an impediment; hindering; obstructing; impeditive. [ 1913 Webster ]

Things so impedimental to success. G. H. Lewes. [ 1913 Webster ]