handcuffs

Meaning

Noun

1. (plural, plural-only) A fastening consisting of two metal rings, designed to go around a person's wrists, and connected by a chain or hinge.
2. (figuratively, plural, plural-only) Any abstract constraint, such as rules, regulations, or lack of resources.

Verb

third-person singular simple present indicative of handcuff

handcuff

• Noun
• Verb

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Synonyms

manacles

fetters

shackles

manacle

handcuff

braces

darbies

bonds

brandinʼ irons

bracelet

bracelets

irons

nipper

stocks

Translations

Handschellen

menottes

manette

esposas

handboeien

menotte

kelepçe

algema

manicae

Handfesseln

χειροπέδη

Handschelle

algemas

pinces

Etymology

Inherited from Old English: handcops

In summary

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.