Dictionary entry

Shackle (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Shac″kle (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Shackled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Shackling.] 1. 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.

2. 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.

3. To join by a link or chain, as railroad cars.

Shackle bar, the coupling between a locomotive and its tender. — Shackle bolt, a shackle. Sir W. Scott.