Definition of shackle Shackle

/ʃæˈkʌl/ - [shakul] - shack•le

We found 21 definitions of shackle from 7 different sources.

What does shackle mean?

Noun Plural: shackles
shackle - a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
		bond, hamper, trammel
		constraint, restraint the act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others
		ball and chain heavy iron ball attached to a prisoner by a chain
		fetter, hobble a shackle for the ankles or feet
		handcuff, handlock, manacle, cuff shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs
shackle - a U-shaped bar; the open end can be passed through chain links and closed with a bar
		bar a rigid piece of metal or wood; usually used as a fastening or obstruction or weapon; "there were bars in the windows to prevent escape"

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shackle (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; a hobble.
shackle (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.
shackle (Noun)
A restraint on one's action, activity, or progress.
shackle (Verb)
To restrain using shackles; to place in shackles.
shackle (Verb)
By extension, to render immobile or incapable; to inhibit the progress or abilities of someone or something.

shackle (n.)
Stubble.
shackle (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.
shackle (n.)
Hence, that which checks or prevents free action.
shackle (n.)
A fetterlike band worn as an ornament.
shackle (n.)
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.
shackle (n.)
A link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also drawlink, draglink, etc.
shackle (n.)
The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the staple.
shackle (v. t.)
To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to bind with shackles; to fetter; to chain.
shackle (v. t.)
Figuratively: To bind or confine so as to prevent or embarrass action; to impede; to cumber.
shackle (v. t.)
To join by a link or chain, as railroad cars.

shackle
shak′l, n. a curved bar, as of iron: a link or staple: a link securing two ankle-rings or two wrist-rings together, and so (pl.) fetters, manacles: a hinderance.—v.t. to fetter: to tie the limbs of: to confine.—ns. Shack′le-bolt, a bolt having a shackle on the end: (her.) a bearing representing a fetlock for hobbling a horse; Shack′le-joint, a peculiar kind of articulation seen in the exoskeleton of some fishes. [A.S. sceacul, scacul, a shackle—sceacan, to shake; cog. with Old Dut. schakel, a link of a chain, Ice. skökull, the pole of a cart.]

shackle
In telegraph lines a swinging insulator bracket for use where wires make an angle with the pole. A journal box is attached to the pole, like half of a gate hinge. To this a short iron arm is pivoted so as to be free to swing through a considerable angle. At its end an insulator is carried to which the wire is attached. The shackle swings into line with the wire, or takes a position for two wires corresponding to the resultant of their directions of pull.

shackle
[from the Anglo-Saxon sceacul]. A span with two eyes and a bolt, attached to open links in a chain-cable, at every 15 fathoms; they are fitted with a movable bolt, so that the chain can there be separated or coupled, as circumstances require. Also, an iron loop-hooked bolt moving on a pin, used for fastening the lower-deck port-bars.