shackle

/ˈsha-kəl/

Middle English schakel, from Old English sceacul; akin to Old Norse skǫkull pole of a cart

noun

  1. something (such as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms

  2. something that checks or prevents free action as if by fetters —usually used in plural

  3. a usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms

verb

  1. to bind with shackles : fetter

  2. to make fast with or as if with a shackle

  3. to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps : impede

hamper trammel clog fetter shackle manacle mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting. hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence. trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.