shackle: Meaning and Definition of

shack•le

Pronunciation: (shak'ul), [key]
— n., v., -led, -ling.
—n.
  1. a ring or other fastening, as of iron, for securing the wrist, ankle, etc.; fetter.
  2. a hobble or fetter for a horse or other animal.
  3. the-shaped bar of a padlock, one end of which is pivoted or sliding, the other end of which can be released, as for passing through a staple, and then fastened, as for securing a hasp.
  4. any of various fastening or coupling devices.
  5. Often,anything that serves to prevent freedom of procedure, thought, etc.
—v.t.
  1. to put a shackle or shackles on; confine or restrain by a shackle or shackles.
  2. to fasten or couple with a shackle.
  3. to restrain in action, thought, etc., as by restrictions; restrict the freedom of.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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