Shackle

(shăk'l), n. [See SHACK.] Stubble. [Prov. Eng.] Pegge.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. SHACKLED; p. pr. & vb. n. SHACKLING.] [See infra.] 1. To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to fetter; to chain; to join by a link or chain, as rail-road cars. So the stretched cord the shackled dancer tries, As prone to fall as impotent to rise. Smith. 2. To bind or confine so as to obstruct or embarrass action; to impede; to cumber. Shackled by her devotion to the king, she could seldom pursue that object. H. Walpole.

n. [Generally used in the plural.] [A-S. scacul, sceacul, a shackle, from scacan, to shake; D. schakel, a link of a chain, a mesh.]

1Sense 1. Something which confines the limbs so as to prevent their free motion; a fetter; gyve; chain.

His shackles empty left; himself escaped clean. Spenser.

2Sense 2. Hence, that which obstructs or embarrasses free action.

His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles. South.

3Sense 3. A fetter-like band, worn as an ornament.

Most of the men and women . . . had gold shackles about their legs and arms. Dampier.

4Sense 4. A link in a chain fitted with a movable bolt, so that the chain can be separated. Simmonds.

5Sense 5. A link for connecting railroad cars;—called also draw-link, drag-link, &c.