Main Entry:

¹shack·le

Pronunciation:

\ˈsha-kəl\

Function:

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