1 tr. a put cargo on board (a ship). b ship (goods) as cargo.
2 intr. (of a ship) take on cargo.
3 tr. (as laden adj.) (usu. foll. by with) a (of a vehicle, donkey, person, tree, table, etc.) heavily loaded. b (of the conscience, spirit, etc.) painfully burdened with sin, sorrow, etc.
Etymology: OE hladan
Useful english dictionary. 2012.