shackle
noun 1 (shackles) a pair of fetters connected by a chain, used to fasten a prisoners wrists or ankles together. 2 (shackles) restraints or impediments. 3 a metal link or loop, closed by a bolt and used to secure a chain or rope to something. verb 1 chain with shackles. 2 restrain; limit. ORIGIN Old English.
Perform another search of the Compact Oxford English Dictionary
About this dictionary
The Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English contains 145,000 words, phrases, and definitions.
Find out more about Oxford's range of English dictionaries
Sign up for the AskOxford Word of the Day
Search the Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations
Search the Concise Dictionary of First Names
|