Shackle word meaning and definition

[noun] a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
[noun] a U-shaped bar; the open end can be passed through chain links and closed with a bar
[verb] restrain with fetters
[verb] bind the arms of

\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.

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