[shack.le] n [ME schakel, fr. OE sceacul; akin to ON skokull pole of a cart] (bef. 12c) 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--usu. used in pl.
3: a usu. 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 usu. 15 fathoms
[2]shackle vt shack.led ; shack.ling (15c) 1 a: to bind with shackles: fetter b: to make fast with or as if with a shackle
2: to deprive of freedom esp. of action by means of restrictions or handicaps: impede syn see hamper -- shack.ler n