from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Shackle \Shac"kle\, n. [Generally used in the plural.] [OE.
schakkyll, schakle, AS. scacul, sceacul, a shackle, fr.
scacan to shake; cf. D. schakel a link of a chain, a mesh,
Icel. sk["o]kull 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.
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His shackles empty left; himself escaped clean.
--Spenser.
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2. Hence, that which checks or prevents free action.
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His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles.
--South.
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3. A fetterlike band worn as an ornament.
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Most of the men and women . . . had all earrings
made of gold, and gold shackles about their legs and
arms. --Dampier.
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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.
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5. A link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also
{drawlink}, {draglink}, etc.
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6. The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is
hung to the staple. --Knight.
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{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.
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