Definition of Shackle

1. Noun. A restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner).

Exact synonyms: Bond, Hamper, Trammel
Specialized synonyms: Ball And Chain, Fetter, Hobble, Cuff, Handcuff, Handlock, Manacle, Chains, Irons
Generic synonyms: Constraint, Restraint
Derivative terms: Hamper, Hamper, Trammel

2. Verb. Bind the arms of. "They want to shackle the prisoners "
Exact synonyms: Pinion
Generic synonyms: Confine, Hold, Restrain

3. Noun. A U-shaped bar; the open end can be passed through chain links and closed with a bar.
Generic synonyms: Bar
Group relationships: Padlock

4. Verb. Restrain with fetters. "They want to shackle the prisoners "
Exact synonyms: Fetter
Specialized synonyms: Cuff, Handcuff, Manacle
Generic synonyms: Confine, Hold, Restrain
Derivative terms: Fetter

Definition of Shackle

1. n. Stubble.

2. n. 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.

3. v. t. To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to bind with shackles; to fetter; to chain.

Definition of Shackle

1. Noun. A restraint fit over a human or animal appendage, such as a wrist, ankle or finger. Usually used in plural, to indicate a pair joined by a chain. ¹

2. Noun. 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. Sometimes referred to as a D shackle, a D closure or a green pin shackle. ¹

3. Verb. To restrain using shackles; to place in shackles. ¹

4. Verb. By extension, to render immobile or incapable; to inhibit the progress or abilities of someone or something. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Shackle

1. to confine with metal fastenings placed around the wrists or ankles [v -LED, -LING, -LES]

Medical Definition of Shackle

1. 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. Shackle joint, a joint formed by a bony ring passing through a hole in a bone, as at the bases of spines in some fishes. Origin: OE. Schakkyll, schakle, AS. Scacul, sceacul, a shackle, fr. Scacan to shake; cf. D. Schakel a link of a chain, a mesh, Icel. Skokull the pole of a cart. See Shake. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Shackle

shabby-genteel
shabeen
shabeens
shabono
shabonos
shabrack
shabracks
shabu
shabynite
shack
shack up
shacked
shacked up
shacking
shacking up
shackle (current term)
shacklebone
shacklebones
shackled
shackler
shacklers
shackles
shacklike
shackling
shacklock
shacklocks
shackly
shacko
shackoes
shackos

Literary usage of Shackle

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Knight's American Mechanical Dictionary: A Description of Tools, Instruments by Edward Henry Knight (1876)
"One passing through the eyes of a clevis or shackle. shackle-crow. (Nautical. ... An implement for attaching the thills to the shackle on the axle where an ..."

2. Tidal Rivers: Their (1) Hydraulics, (2) Improvement, (3) Navigation by William Henry C. E. Wheeler (1893)
"In this example, the bolt of the shackle is retained in its place where it ... For 10-feet buoys moored with 1-inch or ^-inch chain, a shackle 1^ inch thick ..."

3. Tidal Rivers: Their (1) Hydraulics, (2) Improvement, (3) Navigation by William Henry Wheeler (1893)
"In this example, the bolt of the shackle is retained in its place where it ... For 10-feet buoys moored with 1-inch or ^-inch chain, a shackle 1£ inch thick ..."

4. Car Builders' Cyclopedia of American Practice by Master Car Builders' Association (1895)
"The inner end D of the shackle is termed the lied, which is sometimes provided with the shackle-spring Or and I to hold the shackle open or shut. ..."

5. Notes on Track: Construction and Maintenance by Walter Mason Camp (1904)
"A form of shackle bar in common use for pulling drift bolts in bridge work is ... 309, the bar taking hold by slipping the shackle over the end of the bolt ..."

6. The Kedge-anchor; Or, Young Sailors' Assistant: Or, Young Sailors' Assistant by William N. Brady (1864)
"FITTING shackle-BREECHINGS. If it be required to fit the ... one close to the shackle, and the other towards the pointed end of the rope. ..."

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