Category:Shackle

Shac"kle, n.

Defn: stubble. [prov. Eng.] Pegge.

Shackle Shac"kle, n. Etym: [generally used in the plural.] Etym: [oe. Schakkyll, schakle, as. scacul, sceacul, a shackle, fr. scacan to Shake; cf. D. schakel a link of a chain, a mesh, icel. skökull the Pole of a cart. See shake.]

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.

6. The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the Staple. Knight. Shackle joint (anat.), a joint formed by a bony ring Passing through a hole in a bone, as at the bases of spines in some Fishes.

Shackle Shac"kle, v. t. [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.] Shackle bar, The coupling between a locomotive and its tender. [u.s.] -- shackle Bolt, a shackle. Sir w. Scott.