[ 'tram(ə)l ]
■ noun
1》 ( ~s ) literary restrictions or impediments to freedom of action.
2》 (also ~ net ) a three-layered net, designed so that a pocket forms when fish attempt to swim through, thus trapping them.
3》 an instrument consisting of a board with two grooves intersecting at right angles, in which the two ends of a beam compass can slide to draw an ellipse.
4》 US a hook in a fireplace for a kettle.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ling , ~led ; US ~s , ~ing , ~ed ) constrain or impede.
Origin
ME: from OFr. tramail , from a med. L. var. of trimaculum , perh. from L. tri- 'three' + macula 'mesh'.