n. often manacles 1. A device for confining the hands, usually consisting of a set of two metal rings that are fastened about the wrists and joined by a metal chain. 2. Something that confines or restrains: "caught in the manacles of their language" (Cynthia Ozick). tr.v. man·a·cled, man·a·cling, man·a·cles 1. To put manacles on (someone); restrain with manacles. 2. To restrain the action or progress of: "[She was] manacled by the restrictions of an overbearing father" (Lilian Faderman). See Synonyms at hobble. [Middle English, from Old French manicle, from Latin manicula, diminutive of manus, hand; see man-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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