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