embarrassment

Em*bar"rass*ment, n. Etym: [F. embarrassement.] 1. A state of being embarrassed; perplexity; impediment to freedom of action; entanglement; hindrance; confusion or discomposure of mind, as from not knowing what to do or to say; disconcertedness. The embarrassment which inexperienced minds have often to express themselves upon paper. W. Irving. The embarrassments tom commerce growing out of the late regulations. Bancroft. 2. Difficulty or perplexity arising from the want of money to pay debts.

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