shackle🔊

(fetter)(in the plural) A restraint fitted over a human or animal appendage, such as an ankle, finger, or wrist, normally used in a pair joined by a chain.

(by extension)

# (U-shaped) A U-shaped piece of metal secured with a bolt or pin across the ends, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release locking pin mechanism, used for attaching things together while allowing for some degree of movement; a clevis.

# Part of a padlock that consists of a loop of metal (round or square in cross section) that encompasses what is being secured by the lock.

# (nautical) A hook, ring, or other device for connecting, holding, lifting, etc.; specifically (nautical), a small incomplete ring secured with a bolt across the ends, used to connect lengths of cable or chain together, or to keep a porthole closed.

# (agriculture) (t=a short strap tied between the legs of a horse, allowing it to wander a short distance but not to run off).

# (rail transport) A link for connecting railroad cars; a draglink, drawbar, or drawlink.

# (archaic) (t=wristbone, carpal; wrist).

# (rare) A fetter-like band worn on an appendage as an ornament; an anklet, an armlet, a bracelet, a wristlet.

(in the plural) A restraint on one's action, activity, or progress.

(length)(nautical) A length of cable or chain equal to 12½ fathoms (75 feet or about 22.9 metres), or later to 15 fathoms (90 feet or about 27.4 metres).

(transitive)

To place (a person or animal) in shackles ''(noun (fetter))''; to immobilize or restrain using shackles.

To connect or couple (something) to another thing using a shackle ''(noun (U-shaped), (nautical), etc.)''.

To provide (something) with a shackle.

(figurative)

# To inhibit or restrain the ability, action, activity, or progress of (someone or something); to render (someone or something) incapable or ineffectual.

# (obsolete) To combine (a substance) with another substance.

(reflexive) Of two things: to connect or couple together.

A person who is idle or lazy; an idler.

(dice games) A dice game; also, an event at which tickets are sold for chances to be drawn to win prizes; a raffle.

(transitive)

To rattle or shake (something).

To put (something) into disorder; specifically (agriculture), to cause (standing stalks of corn) to fall over.

''Often followed by'' about: to be idle or lazy; to avoid work.

(Units of measure)