HAMPER (4)

Ham″per, n. [[See Hamper to shackle.]] 1. 1. A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes. W. Browne.
2. 2. (Naut.) Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way at certain times. Ham. Nav. Encyc.
Top hamper (Naut.), unnecessary spars and rigging kept aloft.