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. skökull 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. [ 1913 Webster ] His shackles empty left; himself escaped clean. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Hence, that which checks or prevents free action. [ 1913 Webster ] His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles. South. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A fetterlike band worn as an ornament. [ 1913 Webster ] Most of the men and women . . . had all earrings made of gold, and gold shackles about their legs and arms. Dampier. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. A link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also drawlink, draglink, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the staple. Knight. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]
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