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shackle

shack·le [ shák'l ]


noun  (plural shack·les)
Definition:
 
1. metal band on prisoner: a round metal band that can be opened or locked in order to hold the wrist or ankle of a captive, usually attached by chains in pairs or fours ( often used in the plural )

2. binder for animal legs: a device used to hold together the legs of horses and other animals

3. U-shaped fastener: a U-shaped bar that is fastened with a straight pin or bolt to hold something securely

4. restraint on freedom: an oppressive restraint on something or somebody ( often used in the plural )
mental shackles



transitive verb  (past and past participle shack·led, present participle shack·ling, 3rd person present singular shack·les)
Definition:
 
1. restrict somebody: to restrict the freedom of somebody or something
felt shackled by the inflexible rules

2. restrain somebody with shackles: to restrain somebody or an animal using shackles

3. secure something with shackle: to connect or secure something with a shackle

[ Old English sceacul< Germanic, "fastening"]

shack·ler noun
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