Shac"kle (?), n.
Stubble.
[Prov. Eng.]
Pegge.
© Webster 1913.
Shac"kle, n. [Generally used in the plural.] [OE. schakkyll, schakle, AS. scacul, sceacul, a shackle, fr. scacan to shake; cf. D. schakel a link of a chain, a mesh, Icel. skokull the pole of a cart. See Shake.]
1.
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.
2.
Hence, that which checks or prevents free action.
His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles.
South.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
A link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also drawlink, draglink, etc.
6.
The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the staple.
Knight.
Shackle joint Anat., a joint formed by a bony ring passing through a hole in a bone, as at the bases of spines in some fishes.
© Webster 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.
[U. S.]
Shackle bar, the coupling between a locomotive and its tender. [U.S.] -- Shackle bolt, a shackle.
Sir W. Scott.
© Webster 1913.