SHACKLE
shackle, bond, hamper, trammel
(noun) a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
shackle
(noun) a U-shaped bar; the open end can be passed through chain links and closed with a bar
fetter, shackle
(verb) restrain with fetters
pinion, shackle
(verb) bind the arms of
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology 1
Noun
shackle (plural shackles)
(usually, in the plural) A restraint fit over a human or animal appendage, such as a wrist, ankle or finger; normally used in pairs joined by a chain.
Synonym: hobble
Hyponyms: handcuff, manacle, fetter
A U-shaped piece of metal secured with a pin or bolt across the opening, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release locking pin mechanism.
Coordinate term: clevis
(figuratively, usually, in the plural) A restraint on one's action, activity, or progress.
A fetter-like band worn as an ornament.
A link for connecting railroad cars; a drawlink or draglink.
A length of cable or chain equal to 12-1/2 fathoms or 75 feet, or later to 15 fathoms.
Stubble.
Etymology 2
Verb
shackle (third-person singular simple present shackles, present participle shackling, simple past and past participle shackled)
(transitive) To restrain using shackles; to place in shackles.
(transitive, by extension) To render immobile or incapable; to inhibit the progress or abilities of.
Antonyms
• (to restrain using shackles): unshackle, untie
• (to inhibit the abilities of): free, liberate, unshackle
Etymology 3
Verb
shackle (third-person singular simple present shackles, present participle shackling, simple past and past participle shackled)
(dialectal) To shake, rattle.
Anagrams
• hackles
Source: Wiktionary
Shac"kle, n.
Definition: Stubble. [Prov. Eng.] Pegge.
Shac"kle, n. Etym: [Generally used in the plural.] Etym: [OE.
schakkyll, schakle, AS. scacul, sceacul, a shackle, fr. scacan to
shake; cf. D. schakel a link of a chain, a mesh, Icel. skökull the
pole of a cart. See Shake.]
1. Something which confines the legs or arms so as to prevent their
free motion; specifically, a ring or band inclosing the ankle or
wrist, and fastened to a similar shackle on the other leg or arm, or
to something else, by a chain or a strap; a gyve; a fetter.
His shackles empty left; himself escaped clean. Spenser.
2. Hence, that which checks or prevents free action.
His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles. South.
3. A fetterlike band worn as an ornament.
Most of the men and women . . . had all earrings made of gold, and
gold shackles about their legs and arms. Dampier.
4. A link or loop, as in a chain, fitted with a movable bolt, so that
the parts can be separated, or the loop removed; a clevis.
5. A link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also drawlink,
draglink, etc.
6. The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the
staple. Knight. Shackle joint (Anat.), a joint formed by a bony ring
passing through a hole in a bone, as at the bases of spines in some
fishes.
Shac"kle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Shackled; p. pr. & vb. n. Shackling.]
1. To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to
bind with shackles; to fetter; to chain.
To lead him shackled, and exposed to scorn Of gathering crowds, the
Britons' boasted chief. J. Philips.
2. Figuratively: To bind or confine so as to prevent or embarrass
action; to impede; to cumber.
Shackled by her devotion to the king, she seldom could pursue that
object. Walpole.
3. To join by a link or chain, as railroad cars. [U. S.] Shackle bar,
the coupling between a locomotive and its tender. [U.S.] -- Shackle
bolt, a shackle. Sir W. Scott.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition