Any outside interest in or right to property founded on legal grounds, such as a mortgage, lien for work and materials, or a right of courtesy. It diminishes the interest of the person owning the property, but does not prevent conveyance of the fee by the owner thereof. Mortgages, taxes, judgments are encumbrances known as liens. Restrictions, easements, reservations are encumbrances though not liens.
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Mortgage, lien, or other charge against a property.