The word "manacles" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription: /ˈmænəkəlz/. The first syllable "man" is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by the "n" consonant. This is followed by the schwa sound represented by the "ə" symbol. The final syllable "cles" is pronounced as "kuhls". The "a" sound in the first syllable is what distinguishes this word from "mangelos" which is pronounced with a long "a" sound instead. Manacles are a type of restraint used to confine a person's hands or wrists.
Manacles refer to a noun and are typically used in the plural form. They are restraining devices or handcuffs that are designed to restrict a person's movements. Traditionally made of metal, manacles consist of two interconnected circular loops joined by a hinge or a chain, which can be locked around an individual's wrists or ankles. They are commonly used in law enforcement, security, or criminal justice settings as a means to restrain and control the movement of individuals who may be considered dangerous or in need of confinement.
The primary purpose of manacles is to restrict a person's freedom of movement and impede their ability to escape or resist arrest. When someone is shackled with manacles, they often experience a severe reduction in their mobility and independence. Manacles vary in design, material, and degree of comfort or discomfort, depending on the intended purpose and legal requirements.
Metaphorically, manacles can also refer to any type of restraint or constraint that limits a person's freedom, such as oppressive laws, societal expectations, or personal struggles. In this context, the term manacles conveys a sense of confinement or confinement that restricts one's actions, ambitions, or self-expression.
Overall, manacles serve as a symbol of control, confinement, and restriction, both in their literal and figurative senses.
• Handcuffs.
• To handcuff; to put on fastenings for confining the hands.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "manacles" has an etymology that can be traced back to the Latin word "manicula", which means "little hand". In Latin, "manica" refers to a sleeve or a handcuff made of a metal ring attached to a handle. Over time, the word "manacles" evolved in English to specifically refer to a pair of metal restraints or handcuffs used to confine someone's hands or wrists.