shackle

shackle
I. noun Etymology: Middle English schakel, from Old English sceacul; akin to Old Norse skǫkull pole of a cart Date: before 12th century 1. something (as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms 2. something that checks or prevents free action as if by fetters — usually used in plural 3. a usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms 4. a length of cable or anchor chain of usually 15 fathoms II. transitive verb (shackled; shackling) Date: 15th century 1. a. to bind with shackles ; fetter b. to make fast with or as if with a shackle 2. to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps ; impede Synonyms: see hampershackler noun

New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.

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  • Shackle — Shac kle, n. [Generally used in the plural.] [OE. schakkyll, schakle, AS. scacul, sceacul, a shackle, fr. scacan to shake; cf. D. schakel a link of a chain, a mesh, Icel. sk[ o]kull the pole of a cart. See {Shake}.] 1. Something which confines… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Shackle — 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. [1913 Webster] To lead him shackled, and exposed to scorn Of… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • shackle — [n] restraint bracelet, chain, cuff, electronic ankle bracelet, fetter, handcuff, irons, leg iron, manacle, rope, trammel; concepts 130,191,500 shackle [v] restrain bind, chain, confine, cuff, fetter, handcuff, hog tie*, hold, hold captive,… …   New thesaurus

  • shackle — [shak′əl] n. [ME schakel < OE sceacel, akin to MDu schakel, chain link < ? IE base * (s)kenk , to gird, bind] 1. a metal fastening, usually one of a linked pair, for the wrist or ankle of a prisoner; fetter; manacle 2. anything that… …   English World dictionary

  • Shackle — Shac kle, n. Stubble. [Prov. Eng.] Pegge. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • shackle — index arrest (apprehend), constrain (imprison), contain (restrain), detain (restrain), d …   Law dictionary

  • shackle — vb fetter, clog, trammel, *hamper, manacle, hog tie Analogous words: *restrain, curb, check, inhibit: *hinder, impede, obstruct, block, bar: restrict, circumscribe, confine, *limit Contrasted words: disencumber, disembarrass, *extricate: release …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • shackle — ► NOUN 1) (shackles) a pair of fetters connected by a chain, used to fasten a prisoner s wrists or ankles together. 2) (shackles) restraints or impediments. 3) a metal link or loop, closed by a bolt and used to secure a chain or rope to something …   English terms dictionary

  • Shackle — A shackle (also called gyve) is 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. They are used as a connecting link in all manner of rigging… …   Wikipedia

  • shackle — {{11}}shackle (n.) O.E. sceacel, from P.Gmc. *skakula (Cf. M.Du., Du. schakel link of a chain, O.N. skökull pole of a carriage ), of uncertain origin. The common notion of something to fasten or attach makes a connection with shake unlikely.… …   Etymology dictionary

  • shackle — I UK [ˈʃæk(ə)l] / US noun [countable, usually plural] Word forms shackle : singular shackle plural shackles 1) mainly literary something that prevents you from doing what you want to do 2) one of a pair of connected metal rings that can be locked …   English dictionary

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