You don't think this might simply have been ..
.... the first surviving written use of these words in this way?

It seems very difficult to believe that an "impediment" existed without it being something which "impedes". Possible, but not likely.
( Ugi , it's a game of give and cake, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 18:15, 1 reply)

it's possible
but the point remains unchanged by the priority. At some time these words made the switch, (transitioned if you will) from being nouns into being also verbs. The root of impediment is impedire, a hindrance. Which is the noun,
(unclestinky, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 21:48, closed)

Fair enough
although the change from noun to verb as a word is incorporated into the language is perhaps a little more understandable.

I feel that quite often what people object to is the perceived "laziness" of using a noun as a verb where a perfectly good verb or phrase of equivalent meaning already exists. It's also a good reason to dislike Americans!

I suspect linguistic purity is largely a cover-story.
( Ugi , it's a game of give and cake, Thu 15 Apr 2010, 9:37, closed)