Shackle /(?)/

Shac·kle

Shackle

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.
His shackles empty left; himself escaped clean.
— Spenser.
Hence, that which checks or prevents free action.
His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles.
— South.
A fetterlike band worn as an ornament.
Most of the men and women . . . had all earrings made of gold, and gold shackles about their legs and arms.
— Dampier.
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.
A link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also drawlink, draglink, etc.
The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the staple.

Shackle joint: a joint formed by a bony ring passing through a hole in a bone, as at the bases of spines in some fishes.

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Shackled; p. pr. & vb. n. Shackling

To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to bind with shackles; to fetter; to chain.
To lead him shackled, and exposed to scorn Of gathering crowds, the Britons' boasted chief.
— J. Philips.
Figuratively: To bind or confine so as to prevent or embarrass action; to impede; to cumber.
Shackled by her devotion to the king, she seldom could pursue that object.
— Walpole.
To join by a link or chain, as railroad cars. [U. S.]