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."
2.Hence, that which checks or prevents free action. "His very will seems to be in bonds and shackles."
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."
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.
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