shackle

Etymology 1

From Middle English schakkyl, schakle, from Old English sċeacel, sċeacul, sċacul (“shackle, bond, fetter”), from Proto-West Germanic *skakul, from Proto-Germanic *skakulaz (“shackle”), from Proto-Indo-European *skeg-, *skek- (“to jump, move, shake, stir”), equivalent to shake + -le. Cognate with Dutch schakel (“link, shackle, clasp”), German Schäckel (“shackle”), Danish skagle (“a carriage trace”), Swedish skakel (“the loose shaft of a carriage”), Icelandic skökull (“a carriage pole”).

noun

1. (usually in the plural) A restraint fit over a human or animal appendage, such as a wrist, ankle or finger; normally used in pairs joined by a chain.
   The prisoner lay in shackles in his gloomy cell.
2. A U-shaped piece of metal secured with a pin or bolt across the opening, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release locking pin mechanism.
   Coordinate term: clevis
3. (figurative, usually in the plural) A restraint on one's action, activity, or progress.
   Cast off the shackles of yesterday! / Shoulder to shoulder into the fray! 1964, “Sister Suffragette”, performed by Glynis Johns
4. A fetter-like 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. 1697, William Dampier, A New Voyage Round the World
5. A link for connecting railroad cars; a drawlink or draglink.
6. A length of cable or chain equal to 12+¹⁄₂ fathoms or 75 feet, or later to 15 fathoms.

Etymology 2

From Middle English schakelen, schakkylen, from the noun (see above).

verb

1. (transitive) To restrain using shackles; to place in shackles.
2. (transitive, by extension) To render immobile or incapable; to inhibit the progress or abilities of.
   This law would effectively shackle its opposition.
   Some say the plague was brought by Hattie There was talk of a hangin' too. But the talk got shackled by the howls and the cackles From the bowels of the Black bayou. 1973, “Swamp Witch”, in Jim Stafford (lyrics), Jim Stafford, performed by Jim Stafford
   Rooney, superbly shackled by City defender Vincent Kompany for so long as Ferguson surprisingly left Dimitar Berbatov on the bench, had previously cut a forlorn and frustrated figure but his natural instincts continue to serve him and United so well. February 12, 2011, Phil McNulty, “Man Utd 2 - 1 Man City”, in BBC

Etymology 3

From shack (“shake”) + -le.

verb

1. (dialectal) To shake, rattle.