Handcuff

Pronunciation

Origin

1640, from hand + cuff("end of shirtsleeve").

Online Etymology Dictionary

Possibly an adaptation of Middle English handcops ("shackles for the hand, handcuffs"), from Old English handcops, from hand + cops, cosp ("fetter, chains"), but due to lack of continuity (centuries between Old English and modern term), generally analyzed as a re-invention.

Full definition of handcuff

Noun

1. One ring of a locking fetter for the hand or one pair.

Synonyms

• manacle

Hypernyms

• fetter
• shackle

Verb

1. To apply handcuffs to; to manacle. - Hay (1754)
2. (figuratively) to restrain or restrict.Dang, I’m handcuffed by these regulations. I’d like to help but it’d be illegal.