— trammeler; esp. Brit., trammeller , n.
/tram"euhl/ , n. , v. , trammeled, trammeling or ( esp. Brit. ) trammelled, trammelling .
n.
1. Usually, trammels . a hindrance or impediment to free action; restraint: the trammels of custom.
2. an instrument for drawing ellipses.
3. Also called tram . a device used to align or adjust parts of a machine.
4. See trammel net .
5. a fowling net.
6. a contrivance hung in a fireplace to support pots or kettles over the fire.
7. a fetter or shackle, esp. one used in training a horse to amble.
v.t.
8. to involve or hold in trammels; restrain.
9. to catch or entangle in or as in a net.
[ 1325-75; ME tramayle tramail, var. of tremail three-mesh net tremaculum, equiv. to L tre ( s ) THREE + macula mesh ]
Syn. 1. drag, hobble, curb, inhibition. 8. hinder, impede, obstruct, encumber.