trammel

/ˈtra-məl/

verb

  1. to catch or hold in or as if in a net : enmesh

  2. to prevent or impede the free play of : confine

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.

noun

  1. something impeding activity, progress, or freedom : restraint —usually used in plural

  2. a net for catching birds or fish; especially : one having three layers with the middle one finer-meshed and slack so that fish passing through carry some of the center net through the coarser opposite net and are trapped

  3. an adjustable pothook for a fireplace crane