Trammel vs. Fetter — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
Trammel and fetter both refer to restraints, but trammel often implies a net or device for restricting movement, whereas fetter typically means a chain or shackle for the ankles or feet.
Difference Between Trammel and Fetter
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Trammels are often used metaphorically to represent any restriction or limitation on freedom or activity, while fetters are more commonly associated with physical constraints, specifically chains or manacles used to bind the limbs.
Trammels can be devices like nets or traps used in hunting or fishing, capturing animals without causing harm, whereas fetters are usually metal devices that lock around the ankles, historically used on prisoners.
In terms of usage, trammel is less commonly used in everyday language compared to fetter, which appears more frequently in historical and fantasy contexts.
Trammels, due to their variety in form, suggest a broader range of applications including figurative uses in discussions about freedom and restriction, on the other hand, fetters are almost exclusively linked to physical and punitive constraints.
The idea of being trammelled can suggest being hindered or restrained in a general sense, while being fettered specifically suggests being bound in a way that is tangible and often oppressive.
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Comparison Chart
Literal Meaning
A device or enclosure trapping or ensnaring movement
A chain or shackle placed around the ankles
Figurative Use
Used to describe restrictions or limitations broadly
Used to denote confinement or oppression
Common Contexts
Hunting, fishing, metaphorical constraints
Prisons, historical contexts, literal use
Frequency of Use
Less common, more specific
More common, widely recognized
Connotation
Less severe, more versatile
More severe, often negative
Compare with Definitions
Trammel
A restriction or impediment to freedom of action.
The new regulations acted as a trammel on her creativity.
Fetter
To restrain with chains or shackles.
The new policy fettered their ability to innovate.
Trammel
An adjustable pothook set in a fireplace for cooking.
The old kitchen had a trammel for hanging pots over the fire.
Fetter
A chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles.
The prisoner was brought in with fetters binding his legs.
Trammel
Any form of impediment or restraining device.
The bureaucracy served as a trammel that hindered progress.
Fetter
Something that confines or restrains.
Tradition can act as a fetter on creativity.
Trammel
A net used to catch birds or fish.
He set a trammel in the creek to catch trout overnight.
Fetter
To restrict someone's freedom.
The artist felt fettered by conventional expectations.
Trammel
A kind of shackle used for making horses amble.
He used a trammel to train the young horse to trot smoothly.
Fetter
An element of bondage or imprisonment.
He described his daily routine as a fetter that drained his enthusiasm.
Trammel
A shackle used to teach a horse to amble.
Fetter
A chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles
He lay bound with fetters of iron
Trammel
Something that restricts activity, expression, or progress; a restraint.
Fetter
Restrain with chains or manacles, typically around the ankles
The Supervisor tossed a key to the old slave to unlock the chain that fettered the prisoners together
Trammel
A vertically set fishing net of three layers, consisting of a finely meshed net between two nets of coarse mesh.
Fetter
A device, usually one of a pair of rings connected to a chain, that is attached to the ankles or feet to restrict movement.
Trammel
An instrument for drawing ellipses.
Fetter
Often fetters Something that serves to restrict; a restraint
The fetters of tyranny.
Trammel
An instrument for gauging and adjusting parts of a machine; a tram.
Fetter
To put fetters on; shackle.
Trammel
An arrangement of links and a hook in a fireplace for raising and lowering a kettle.
Fetter
To restrict or restrain
Thinking that is fettered by prejudice.
Trammel
To enmesh in a fishing net.
Fetter
A chain or similar object used to bind a person or animal – often by its legs (usually in plural).
Trammel
To hinder the activity or free movement of.
Fetter
(figurative) Anything that restricts or restrains.
Trammel
Whatever impedes activity, progress, or freedom, such as a net or shackle.
Fetter
(transitive) To shackle or bind up with fetters.
Trammel
A fishing net that has large mesh at the edges and smaller mesh in the middle
Fetter
(transitive) To restrain or impede; to hamper.
Trammel
A kind of net for catching birds, fishes, or other prey.
Fetter
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.
[They] bound him with fetters of brass.
Trammel
A set of rings or other hanging devices, attached to a transverse bar suspended over a fire, used to hang cooking pots etc.
Fetter
Anything that confines or restrains; a restraint.
Passion's too fierce to be in fetters bound.
Trammel
A net for confining a woman's hair.
Fetter
To put fetters upon; to shackle or confine the feet of with a chain; to bind.
My heels are fettered, but my fist is free.
Trammel
A kind of shackle used for regulating the motions of a horse and making it amble.
Fetter
To restrain from motion; to impose restraints on; to confine; to enchain; as, fettered by obligations.
My conscience! thou art fetteredMore than my shanks and wrists.
Trammel
(engineering) An instrument for drawing ellipses, one part of which consists of a cross with two grooves at right angles to each other, the other being a beam carrying two pins (which slide in those grooves), and also the describing pencil.
Fetter
A shackle for the ankles or feet
Trammel
A beam compass.
Fetter
Restrain with fetters
Trammel
To entangle, as in a net.
Trammel
(transitive) To confine; to hamper; to shackle.
Trammel
A kind of net for catching birds, fishes, or other prey.
Trammel
A net for confining a woman's hair.
Trammel
A kind of shackle used for regulating the motions of a horse and making him amble.
Trammel
Fig.: Whatever impedes activity, progress, or freedom, as a net or shackle.
[They] disdain the trammels of any sordid contract.
Trammel
An iron hook of various forms and sizes, used for handing kettles and other vessels over the fire.
Trammel
An instrument for drawing ellipses, one part of which consists of a cross with two grooves at right angles to each other, the other being a beam carrying two pins (which slide in those grooves), and also the describing pencil.
Trammel
To entangle, as in a net; to catch.
Trammel
To confine; to hamper; to shackle.
Trammel
A fishing net with three layers; the outer two are coarse mesh and the loose inner layer is fine mesh
Trammel
An adjustable pothook set in a fireplace
Trammel
A restraint that is used to teach a horse to amble
Trammel
A restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
Trammel
Catch in or as if in a trap;
The men trap foxes
Trammel
Place limits on (extent or access);
Restrict the use of this parking lot
Limit the time you can spend with your friends
Common Curiosities
What is the primary use of a trammel?
Traditionally, trammels are used as nets or devices to capture animals or fish.
How are fetters typically used?
Fetters are typically used to secure prisoners by binding their ankles or wrists.
Are trammels and fetters used in modern times?
Trammels are still used in hunting and fishing, while fetters are mostly seen in historical or symbolic contexts.
Can trammel be used figuratively?
Yes, trammel is often used figuratively to represent any kind of restriction or limitation.
What does it mean to fetter someone in a metaphorical sense?
Metaphorically, to fetter someone means to severely restrict their ability to act or move freely.
Can both trammels and fetters be used for humans?
While fetters are specifically designed for humans, trammels are primarily meant for animals, though metaphorically they can refer to human restrictions.
Do trammels have any specific types or variations?
Yes, trammels can vary from fishing nets to fireplace pothooks, depending on their use.
Are trammels considered humane?
Trammels, like nets used in fishing, are considered more humane as they do not necessarily harm the animal.
Is there a difference in the severity implied by trammel and fetter?
Yes, fetter generally implies a more severe or punitive constraint compared to trammel.
Can trammel and fetter be used interchangeably?
In a figurative sense, they can sometimes be interchangeable, but they usually refer to different forms of restraints.
What is the etymology of 'fetter'?
The word 'fetter' originates from Old English 'feter', related to foot, implying a chain for the feet.
Which is more common in literature, trammel or fetter?
Fetter is more commonly found in literature, often in historical or fantasy settings.
How does the concept of freedom play into the use of trammels and fetters?
Both terms metaphorically deal with the loss of freedom, though fetters imply a more direct and physical restraint.
What historical periods prominently used fetters?
Fetters were prominently used during medieval times and in various other historical periods for prisoners.
What kind of materials are fetters usually made of?
Fetters are usually made of metal such as iron or steel.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
