Shac·kle v. t. [imp. & p. p. Shackled p. pr. & vb. n. Shackling.]
 1. To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to bind with shackles; to fetter; to chain.
 To lead him shackled, and exposed to scorn
 Of gathering crowds, the Britons' boasted chief.   --J. Philips.
 2. Figuratively: To bind or confine so as to prevent or embarrass action; to impede; to cumber.
    Shackled by her devotion to the king, she seldom could pursue that object.   --Walpole.
 3. To join by a link or chain, as railroad cars. [U. S.]
 Shackle bar, the coupling between a locomotive and its tender. [U.S.]
 Shackle bolt, a shackle.

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 shackled
      adj : bound by chains fastened around the ankles [syn: fettered,
             in bonds(p), in fetters(p)]