Dictionary-Definition.com :: Shackle definition

Definition of 'shackle'

noun

A restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner) [syn: shackle, bond, hamper, trammel]

noun

A U-shaped bar; the open end can be passed through chain links and closed with a bar

verb

Bind the arms of [syn: pinion, shackle]

verb

Restrain with fetters [syn: fetter, shackle]

From: GCIDE

From: GCIDE

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 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. [1913 Webster]
His shackles empty left; himself escaped clean. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
2. Hence, that which checks or prevents free action. [1913 Webster]
His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles. --South. [1913 Webster]
3. A fetterlike band worn as an ornament. [1913 Webster]
Most of the men and women . . . had all earrings made of gold, and gold shackles about their legs and arms. --Dampier. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
5. A link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also drawlink, draglink, etc. [1913 Webster]
6. The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the staple. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

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 gathering crowds, the Britons' boasted chief. --J. Philips. [1913 Webster]
2. Figuratively: To bind or confine so as to prevent or embarrass action; to impede; to cumber. [1913 Webster]
Shackled by her devotion to the king, she seldom could pursue that object. --Walpole. [1913 Webster]
3. To join by a link or chain, as railroad cars. [U. S.] [1913 Webster]
Shackle bar, the coupling between a locomotive and its tender. [U.S.]
Shackle bolt, a shackle. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]