1.(figurative) something that hinders or handicaps - she was an albatross around his neck • Syn: albatross • Hypernyms: hindrance, hinderance, deterrent, impediment, balk, baulk, check, handicap 2. any load that is difficult to carry • Hypernyms: load, loading, burden 3. one of a pair of heavy flat disk-shaped stones that are rotated against one another to grind the grain • Hypernyms: stone • Part Holonyms: gristmill