hamshackle, v.
(ˈhæmʃæk(ə)l)
[app. of Sc. or northern dial. origin; possibly f. radical ham-, as in hamper v.1 + shackle v.; but the first element also occurs as hab-, hap-, hob-, hop-.]
trans. To shackle (a horse or cow) by a rope or strap connecting the head with one of the forelegs; hence fig. to fetter, curb, restrain.
| 1802 J. Sibbald Chron. Scot. Poetry Gloss. (Jam.) Hamschakel, to fasten the head of a horse or cow to one of its fore legs, to prevent its wandering too far in an open wild. 1825 Brockett N.C. Gloss., Hamshackle, to fasten the head of an animal to one of its forelegs. Vicious cows and oxen are often so tied, especially when driven to slaughter. 1847 in Craig. 1864 in Webster. |