handcuffs

nounnounverbcommon in dialogue

//ˈhændˌkʌfs//

A fastening consisting of two metal rings, designed to go around a person's wrists, and connected by a chain or hinge.

noun

1
A fastening consisting of two metal rings, designed to go around a person's wrists, and connected by a chain or hinge.
It was the sergeant who had spoken to me, and he was now looking round at the company, with his handcuffs invitingly extended towards them in his right hand, and his left on my shoulder.
Security is tight inside and outside the building, guarded by a bewildering collection of soldiers, policemen and gendarmes. Relatives watch as prisoners in handcuffs and leg irons shuffle past.
2
figurativeAny abstract constraint, such as rules, regulations, or lack of resources.
They complained that their rules of engagement were handcuffs that guaranteed counterproductivity.

Etymology

1775, from hand + cuff (“end of shirtsleeve”). Possibly influenced by Old English handcops, from hand + cops (“fetter, chains”), but due to lack of continuity (centuries between Old English and modern term), generally analyzed as a re-invention.

noun

1
Also a form of handcuffplural of handcuff

verb

1
Also a form of handcuffthird-person singular simple present indicative of handcuff

handbag · A small bag used chiefly by women for carrying various small…handbook · A topically organized book of reference on a certain field of…handcuff · To apply handcuffs to someone.

handcuffs · A fastening consisting of two metal rings, designed to go around a person's wrists, and connected by a chain or hinge.

handed · Having a certain kind or number of hands.handful · The amount that a hand will grasp or contain.handgun · A small gun with a relatively short barrel, designed to be…

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