shackle

Meanings

Noun

• A restraint fit over a human or animal appendage, such as a wrist, ankle or finger; normally used in pairs joined by a chain.
• 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.
• A restraint on one's action, activity, or progress.
• A fetter-like band worn as an ornament.
• A link for connecting railroad cars; a drawlink or draglink.
• A length of cable or chain equal to fathoms or 75 feet, or later to 15 fathoms.

Verb

• To restrain using shackles; to place in shackles.
• To render immobile or incapable; to inhibit the progress or abilities of.
• To shake, rattle.

Related

Opposite words

• unshackle, untie
• free, liberate, unshackle

Origin

• From Middle English schakkyl, schakle, from Old English sċeacel, sċeacul, sċacul, from Proto-West Germanic *skakul, from Proto-Germanic *skakulaz ("shackle"), from Proto-Indo-European *skeg-, *skek-, 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").
• From Middle English schakelen, schakkylen, from the noun (see above).
• From shack + -le.