I. ˈsha-kəl noun
Etymology: Middle English schakel, from Old English sceacul; akin to Old Norse skǫkull pole of a cart
Date: before 12th century
1. : something (as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms
2. : something that checks or prevents free action as if by fetters — usually used in plural
3. : a usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms
4. : a length of cable or anchor chain of usually 15 fathoms
II. transitive verb
( shack·led ; shack·ling -k(ə-)liŋ)
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : to bind with shackles : fetter
b. : to make fast with or as if with a shackle
2. : to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps : impede
Synonyms: see hamper
• shack·ler -k(ə-)lər noun