Shackle
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ækəl
Origin
From Middle English schakkyl, schakle, from Old English sceacel, sceacul, scacul ("shackle, bond, fetter"), from Proto-Germanic *skakulaz ("shackle"), from Proto-Indo-European *skeg-, *skek- ("to jump, move, shake, stir"), equivalent to shake + -le. Cognate with Dutch schakel ("link, shackle, clasp"), German Schäckel ("shackle"), Danish skagle ("a carriage trace"), Swedish skakel ("the loose shaft of a carriage"), Icelandic skökull ("a carriage pole").
Full definition of shackle
Noun
shackle
(plural shackles)- 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; a hobble.
- 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.
- (figuratively, usually in plural) A restraint on one's action, activity, or progress.
- SouthHis very will seems to be in bonds and shackles.
- A fetter-like band worn as an ornament.
- DampierMost of the men and women ... had all earrings made of gold, and gold shackles about their legs and arms.
- A link for connecting railroad cars; a drawlink or draglink.
- stubble
Derived terms
Verb
- To restrain using shackles; to place in shackles.
- By extension, to render immobile or incapable; to inhibit the progress or abilities of someone or something.This law would effectively shackle its opposition.
- 2011, February 12, Phil McNulty, Man Utd 2 - 1 Man City, Rooney, superbly shackled by City defender Vincent Kompany for so long as Ferguson surprisingly left Dimitar Berbatov on the bench, had previously cut a forlorn and frustrated figure but his natural instincts continue to serve him and United so well.