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

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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

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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

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