Beast of burden, an animal employed in carrying burdens. -- Burden of proof [L. onus probandi] (Law), the duty of proving a particular position in a court of law, a failure in the performance of which duty calls for judgment against the party on whom the duty is imposed.
Syn. -- Burden, Load. A burden is, in the literal sense, a weight to be borne; a load is something laid upon us to be carried. Hence, when used figuratively, there is usually a difference between the two words. Our burdens may be of such a nature that we feel bound to bear them cheerfully or without complaint. They may arise from the nature of our situation; they may be allotments of Providence; they may be the consequences of our errors. What is upon us, as a load, we commonly carry with greater reluctance or sense of oppression. Men often find the charge of their own families to be a burden; but if to this be added a load of care for others, the pressure is usually serve and irksome.
Bur"den, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Burdened (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n. Burdening (&?;).] 1. To encumber with weight (literal or figurative); to lay a heavy load upon; to load.
I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened.
2 Cor. viii. 13.
2. To oppress with anything grievous or trying; to overload; as, to burden a nation with taxes.
My burdened heart would break.
Shak.
3. To impose, as a load or burden; to lay or place as a burden (something heavy or objectionable). [R.]
It is absurd to burden this act on Cromwell.
Coleridge.
Syn. -- To load; encumber; overload; oppress.
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Bur"den (bûr"d'n), n. [OE. burdoun the bass in music, F. bourdon; cf. LL. burdo drone, a long organ pipe, a staff, a mule. Prob. of imitative origin. Cf. Bourdon.] 1. The verse repeated in a song, or the return of the theme at the end of each stanza; the chorus; refrain. Hence: That which is often repeated or which is dwelt upon; the main topic; as, the burden of a prayer.
I would sing my song without a burden.
Shak.