Fetter vs. Shackle — What's the Difference?

A chain or shackle for the feet.

To impede movement or functionality.

To restrain with chains.

A restraint or limitation.

To restrict freedom.

A metal link, typically U-shaped, closed by a bolt.

Anything that confines or restrains.

A device for lifting heavy objects.

Metaphor for restriction.

To confine with chains.

A chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles

A shackle, also known as a gyve, is a U-shaped piece of metal secured with a clevis pin or bolt across the opening, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release locking pin mechanism. The term also applies to handcuffs and other similarly conceived restraint devices that function in a similar manner.

Restrain with chains or manacles, typically around the ankles

A device, usually one of a pair connected to a chain, that encircles the ankle or wrist of a prisoner or captive.

A device, usually one of a pair of rings connected to a chain, that is attached to the ankles or feet to restrict movement.

A hobble for an animal.

Often fetters Something that serves to restrict; a restraint

Any of several devices, such as a clevis, used to fasten or couple.

To put fetters on; shackle.

Often shackles A restraint or check on action or progress

To restrict or restrain

To put shackles on (someone); confine with shackles.

A chain or similar object used to bind a person or animal – often by its legs (usually in plural).

To fasten or connect with a shackle.

(figurative) Anything that restricts or restrains.

To restrict, confine, or hamper.

(transitive) To shackle or bind up with fetters.

A restraint fit over a human or animal appendage, such as a wrist, ankle or finger; normally used in pairs joined by a chain.

(transitive) To restrain or impede; to hamper.

A U-shaped piece of metal secured with a pin or bolt across the opening, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release locking pin mechanism.

A chain or shackle for the feet; a chain by which an animal is confined by the foot, either made fast or disabled from free and rapid motion; a bond; a shackle.

A restraint on one's action, activity, or progress.

Anything that confines or restrains; a restraint.

A fetter-like band worn as an ornament.

To put fetters upon; to shackle or confine the feet of with a chain; to bind.

A link for connecting railroad cars; a drawlink or draglink.

To restrain from motion; to impose restraints on; to confine; to enchain; as, fettered by obligations.

A length of cable or chain equal to 2 fathoms or 75 feet, or later to 15 fathoms.

A shackle for the ankles or feet

(transitive) To restrain using shackles; to place in shackles.

Restrain with fetters

To render immobile or incapable; to inhibit the progress or abilities of.

(dialectal) To shake, rattle.

Stubble.

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.

Hence, that which checks or prevents free action.

A fetterlike band worn as an ornament.

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.

A link for connecting railroad cars; - called also drawlink, draglink, etc.

The hinged and curved bar of a padlock, by which it is hung to the staple.

To tie or confine the limbs of, so as to prevent free motion; to bind with shackles; to fetter; to chain.

Figuratively: To bind or confine so as to prevent or embarrass action; to impede; to cumber.

To join by a link or chain, as railroad cars.

A restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)

A U-shaped bar; the open end can be passed through chain links and closed with a bar

Bind the arms of

Restrain with fetters

Yes, shackles are also widely used in lifting heavy objects and securing items.

Shackles are primarily made from metal but can include other durable materials.

Yes, fetters often symbolize old-fashioned restraints, while shackles convey a sense of robust utility.

Traditionally, fetters are designed for the feet, but the term can be applied metaphorically to other restraints.

"Fetter" metaphorically implies limitations, while "shackle" suggests more forceful constraints.

Fetters have a long history in penal systems as tools for humane restraint.

Traditionally, fetters are used to restrain a person's feet or ankles.

Fetter is more often used metaphorically or in historical contexts today.

Yes, many shackles are adjustable to fit different sizes and purposes.

Yes, shackles are essential in various nautical applications, including securing sails and rigging.