Embarrassment \Em*bar"rass*ment\, n. [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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)