What is "drawlink"

Shackle \Shac"kle\, 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. sk["o]kull 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.

   His shackles empty left; himself escaped clean.
   --Spenser.

2. Hence, that which checks or prevents free action.

   His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles.
   --South.

3. A fetterlike band worn as an ornament.

   Most of the men and women . . . had all earrings made of gold, and gold shackles about their legs and arms.
   --Dampier.

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.

5. A link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also drawlink, draglink, etc.

6. The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the staple.
   --Knight.

   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.

Dragbar \Drag"bar`\, n. Same as Drawbar (b) . Called also draglink, and drawlink. [U. S.]

n. (context rail transport English) drawbar