Burden

bur′dn, n. a load: weight: cargo: that which is grievous, oppre ive, or difficult to bear, as blame, sin, sorrow, .: birth.— v.t. to load: to oppre : to encumber.— adjs. Bur′denous , Bur′densome , heavy: oppre ive.— Burden of proof , in legal procedure, signifies the obligation to establish by evidence certain disputed facts. [A.S. byrthen — beran , to bear.]