hamstring \ham"string`\, v. t. imp.  p. p. hamstrung; p. pr.
    vb. n. hamstringing. see string.
   to lame or disable by cutting the tendons of the ham or knee;
   to hough; hence, to cripple; to incapacitate; to disable.
   1913 webster

         so have they hamstrung the valor of the subject by
         seeking to effeminate us all at home.    --milton.
   1913 webster
see also:
hamstrung hamstringing string