shackle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
    trammel; hamper; bond.
  2. noun a U-shaped bar; the open end can be passed through chain links and closed with a bar
  3. verb bind the arms of
    pinion.
  4. verb restrain with fetters
    fetter.

WordNet

Shac"kle noun
Definitions
  1. Stubble. Prov. Eng. Pegge.
Shac"kle noun
Etymology
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. skökull the pole of a cart. See Shake.
Definitions
  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.
Shac"kle transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Shackled ; present participle & verbal noun Shackling
Definitions
  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. Sir W. Scott.

Webster 1913