\Im*ped"i*ment\, n. [L. impedimentum: cf. F.
impediment.]
That which impedes or hinders progress, motion, activity, or
effect.
      Thus far into the bowels of the land Have we marched on
      without impediment.                      --Shak.
{Impediment in speech}, a defect which prevents distinct
   utterance.
Syn: Hindrance; obstruction; obstacle; difficulty;
     incumbrance.
Usage: {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.
             The eloquence of Demosthenes was to Philip of
             Macedon, a difficulty to be met with his best
             recources, ant obstacle to his own ambition, and
             an impedimen in his political career. --C. J.
                                               Smith.

\Im*ped"i*ment\, v. t.
To impede. [R.] --Bp. Reynolds.