handcuff

Meaning

Noun

One ring of a locking fetter for the hand or one pair.

Verb

1. (transitive) To apply handcuffs to someone.
2. (figuratively, transitive) to restrain or restrict.

Synonyms

manacle

shackle

fetter

cuff

restrain

chain

confine

handlock

handcuffs

bind

fasten

secure

tether

tie

manacles

irons

fetters

moor

close

restraint

restrict

iron bracelet

chain up

snip

stringer

leg-iron

put in chains

trammel

arm band

bracelet

gird

hitch

hobble

imprison

Translations

menotte

ammanettare

esposas

manetta

manette

esposar

handboeien omdoen

algemar

menottes

Handschellen anlegen

enchaîner

passer les menottes à

in de boeien slaan

algema

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈhændˌkʌf/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: handcops

Inherited from Old English: handcops

In summary

From hand + cuff (“end of shirtsleeve”). Possibly an adaptation of Middle English handcops (“shackles for the hand, handcuffs”), from Old English handcops, from hand + cops, cosp (“fetter, chains”), but due to a lack of continuity (centuries between Old English and the modern term), generally analyzed as a re-invention. Nominal form first appears c. 1591 in the publications of John Florio. Verbal form first appears c. 1649.