The Collaborative International Dictionary
Shackle \Shac"kle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Shackled; p. pr. & vb. n. Shackling.]
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To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to bind with shackles; to fetter; to chain.
To lead him shackled, and exposed to scorn Of gathering crowds, the Britons' boasted chief.
--J. Philips. -
Figuratively: To bind or confine so as to prevent or embarrass action; to impede; to cumber.
Shackled by her devotion to the king, she seldom could pursue that object.
--Walpole. -
To join by a link or chain, as railroad cars. [U. S.]
Shackle bar, the coupling between a locomotive and its tender. [U.S.]
Shackle bolt, a shackle.
--Sir W. Scott.