l]
noun, verb, -led, -ling.| 1. | a ring or other fastening, as of iron, for securing the wrist, ankle, etc.; fetter. |
| 2. | a hobble or fetter for a horse or other animal. |
| 3. | the U-shaped bar of a padlock, one end of which is pivoted or sliding, the other end of which can be released, as for passing through a staple, and then fastened, as for securing a hasp. |
| 4. | any of various fastening or coupling devices. |
| 5. | Often, shackles. anything that serves to prevent freedom of procedure, thought, etc. |
| 6. | to put a shackle or shackles on; confine or restrain by a shackle or shackles. |
| 7. | to fasten or couple with a shackle. |
| 8. | to restrain in action, thought, etc., as by restrictions; restrict the freedom of. |

shack·le (shāk'əl) ![]() (click for larger image in new window) n.
[Middle English schackel, from Old English sceacel, fetter.] shack'ler n. |