1 Any of several large, web-footed sea birds of the family Diomedeidae that have the ability to remain aloft for long periods. Compare wandering albatross.
2 A seemingly inescapable moral or emotional burden, as of guilt or responsibility.
3.something burdensome that impedes action or progress.
Etymology
1670s, probably from Sp./Port. alcatraz "pelican" (16c.), perhaps derived from Arabic al-ghattas "sea eagle" [Barnhart]; or from Port. alcatruz "the bucket of a water wheel" [OED], from Arabic al-qadus "machine for drawing water, jar" (from Gk. kados "jar"), in reference to the pelican's pouch (cf. Arabic saqqa "pelican," lit. "water carrier"). Either way, the spelling was influenced by L. albus "white." The name was extended, through some mistake, by English sailors to a larger sea-bird (order Tubinares).
Usage
"It's about time we won a game from behind. It's been a bit of an albatross around our necks that every time we have gone behind we have either drawn or lost. It's nice to reverse that.
bbc.co.uk Saturday, 19 March 2011
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