Definition of: shackle

(shak′əl) noun
1. A ring, clasp, or brace-letlike fastening for encircling and fettering a limb; fetter; gyve.
2. Impediment or restraint.
3. One of various forms of fastenings, as the bow of a padlock, a clevis, or a link for coupling railway cars. See synonyms under FETTER.
—v.t. ·led, ·ling
1. To restrain or confine with shackles; fetter.
2. To keep or restrain from free action or speech.
3. To connect or fasten with a shackle. See synonyms under BIND. [OE sceacul]
—shack′ler noun
SHACKLES