Shackle — Defs

01 n. Stubble.

02 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, an…

1.
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.
“His shackles empty left; himself escaped clean.” — Spenser.
2.
Hence, that which checks or prevents free action.
“His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles.” — South.
3.
A fetterlike band worn as an ornament.
“Most of the men and women . . . had all earrings made of gold, and gold shackles about their legs and arms.” — Dampier.
4.
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.
5.
A link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also drawlink, draglink, etc. Also: drawlink, draglink
6.
The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the staple.

Phrases & compounds

Shackle joint — a joint formed by a bony ring passing through a hole in a bone, as at the bases of spines in some fishes.

03 v. t. To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to bind with shackles; to fetter; to chain.

imp. & p. p. Shackled; p. pr. & vb. n. Shackling

1.
To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to bind with shackles; to fetter; to chain.
“To lead him shackled, and exposed to scorn Of gathering crowds, the Britons' boasted chief.” — J. Philips.
2.
Figuratively: To bind or confine so as to prevent or embarrass action; to impede; to cumber.
“Shackled by her devotion to the king, she seldom could pursue that object.” — Walpole.
3.
To join by a link or chain, as railroad cars.[U. S.]

Phrases & compounds

Shackle bar — the coupling between a locomotive and its tender.

Shackle bolt — a shackle.