impedimenta

[ im-ped-uh-men-tuh ]

plural noun

1. baggage or other things that retard one's progress, as supplies carried by an army:

   the impedimenta of the weekend skier.

impedimenta

/ ɪmˌpɛdɪˈmɛntə /

plural noun

1. the baggage and equipment carried by an army
2. any objects or circumstances that impede progress
3. a plural of impediment

Word History and Origins

Origin of impedimenta¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin: literally, “traveling gear, luggage, baggage,” plural of impedīmentum impediment

Word History and Origins

Origin of impedimenta¹

C16: from Latin, plural of impedīmentum hindrance; see impede

Example Sentences

Mr. Grossman photographed the hirsute quartet juxtaposed against a jungle of television cameras, amplifiers and other backstage impedimenta, and he shot from the balcony to capture their electrifying effect on the audience.

From New York Times

Astor Place had the impedimenta landlords left on the sidewalk after old tenants died.

From New York Times

Between the driver and passenger seats there was a large, raised, shag-pile-carpeted area, which I was using to lay out my various writerly impedimenta: voice recorder, notebook, pens and so forth.

From New York Times

I pulled down the overhead stairs and ascended after him, apologizing for the suitcases, trunks, boxes, photo albums and other impedimenta that filled the dusty, low-ceilinged space.

From Washington Post

Here again one sees the unabated Russian talent rise anew for creating red-tape, soul-globbing frustration, infernal queues, steely impassive officials in uniforms and all the familiar impedimenta from the land of ‘nyet’.

From Forbes