shackle \shac"kle\, n. generally used in the plural. oe.
   schakkyll, schakle, as. scacul, sceacul, a shackle, fr.
   scacan to shake; cf. d. schakel a link of a chain, a mesh,
   icel. sk"okull the pole of a cart. see shake.
   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.
      1913 webster

            his shackles empty left; himself escaped clean.
                                                  --spenser.
      1913 webster

   2. hence, that which checks or prevents free action.
      1913 webster

            his very will seems to be in bonds and shackles.
                                                  --south.
      1913 webster

   3. a fetterlike band worn as an ornament.
      1913 webster

            most of the men and women . . . had all earrings
            made of gold, and gold shackles about their legs and
            arms.                                 --dampier.
      1913 webster

   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.
      1913 webster

   5. a link for connecting railroad cars; -- called also
      drawlink, draglink, etc.
      1913 webster

   6. the hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is
      hung to the staple. --knight.
      1913 webster

   shackle joint anat., a joint formed by a bony ring
      passing through a hole in a bone, as at the bases of
      spines in some fishes.
      1913 webster
see also:
shake drawlink draglink shackle joint 

drawlink \draw"link`\, n.
   same as drawbar
   b .
       1913 webster
see also:
drawbar 

dragbar \drag"bar`\, n.
   same as drawbar
   b . called also draglink, and drawlink. u. s.
       1913 webster
see also:
drawbar draglink drawlink