handcuff - definition, synonyms and pronunciation

Open English WordNet

Noun (1)handcuffs

shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairsSynonyms: cuff handlock manacleType of shackle, bond

Verb (1)handcuffs, handcuffed, handcuffing

confine or restrain with or as if with manacles or handcuffs“The police handcuffed the suspect at the scene of the crime”Synonyms: manacle cuffMore general fetter, shackle

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Hand′cuff′ (-kŭf′), noun

Origin: AS. handcops; hand hand + cosp, cops, fetter. The second part was confused with E. cuffs,

A fastening, consisting of an iron ring around the wrist, usually connected by a chain with one on the other wrist; a manacle; — usually in the plural.

Hand′cuff′ (hănd′kŭf′), transitive verb [past tense & past participle Handcuffed (-kŭft′); present participle & verbal noun Handcuffing.]

To apply handcuffs to; to manacle. William Hay

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54