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
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with MANACLE

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

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>.

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

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