First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1manacle
noun man·a·cle \ˈma-ni-kəl\
: either one of a set of two metal rings designed to lock around a person's wrists or ankles
Full Definition of MANACLE
1
: a shackle for the hand or wrist : handcuff —usually used in plural
2
: something used as a restraint
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Origin of MANACLE
Middle English manicle, from Anglo-French, from Latin manicula handle, diminutive of manicae shackles, armor for the hand, from manus hand — more at manual
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2manacle
verb
man·a·cledman·a·cling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
Definition of MANACLE
transitive verb
1
: to confine (the hands) with manacles
2
: to make fast or secure : bind; broadly : to restrain from movement, progress, or action
First Known Use of MANACLE
14th century
Related to MANACLE
Synonym Discussion of MANACLE
hamper, trammel, clog, fetter, shackle, manacle mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting. hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence <hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate>. trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net <rules that trammel the artist's creativity>. clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering <a court system clogged by frivolous suits>. fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost <a nation fettered by an antiquated class system>. shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom <a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice> <a people manacled by tyranny>.
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