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Definitions for: Shackle
[n] a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
[n] a U-shaped bar; the open end can be passed through chain links and closed with a bar
[v] restrain with fetters
[v] bind the arms of
Webster (1913) Definition: Shac"kle, n.
Stubble. [Prov. Eng.] --Pegge.
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.
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.
Synonyms: bond, fetter, hamper, pinion, trammel, trammels
See Also: ball and chain, bar, chain, chains, confine, constraint, cuff, cuff, cuffs, fetter, handcuff, handcuff, handcuffs, handlock, hobble, hold, iron, irons, manacle, manacle, padlock, restrain, restraint
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