shackling, ppl. a.
(ˈʃæklɪŋ)
[f. shackle v.2 + -ing2. In sense 2 perh. influenced by ramshackle.]
1. Loafing, dissipated.
| 1788 Parr Let. Burney 16 Feb., Wks. (1828) VII. 407 And upon this account I call him a shuffling, shilly-shally, shackling fellow. 1889 D. E. Hurst Horsham (ed. 2) 267, I carn't employ him, he is such a shackling fellow. |
2. U.S. Rickety, ramshackle.
| 1790 W. Maclay Jrnl. 24 May (1890) vii. 272 His whole figure has a loose, shackling air. 1793 J. Lindley in Friends' Misc. (1836) (ed. 2) II. 63 And the wagon very shackling, made the tour very disagreeable. 1846 J. K. Polk Diary 9 June (1929) iii. 114 Mr. Bancroft reminded Mr. Buchanan of a remark which he had made in the Cabinet some months ago, that the title of the United States north of 49° was a shackling one. 1872 J. T. Trowbridge Coupon Bonds 387 (Farmer) The gate itself was such a shackling concern, a child couldn't have leaned on it without breaking it down. 1884 Harper's Mag. Oct. 738/2 A poor old black horse, harnessed to a shackling buggy. |