trammel
Noun · VerbOpen English WordNet
Noun (4)
- a fishing net with three layers; the outer two are coarse mesh and the loose inner layer is fine meshSynonyms: trammel netType of fishnet, fishing net
- an adjustable pothook set in a fireplaceType of pothook
- a restraint that is used to teach a horse to ambleType of restraint, constraint
- a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)Synonyms: shacklebondhamperType of restraint, constraintKinds irons, handcuff, ball and chain, fetter
Verb (2)trameled, trameling, tramelled, tramelling, tramels, trammeled, trammeling, trammelled, trammelling
- catch in or as if in a trap“The men trap foxes”Synonyms: trapentrapsnareensnareMore general capture, catchMore specific gin
- place limits on (extent or amount or access)“restrict the use of this parking lot”“limit the time you can spend with your friends”Synonyms: restrictlimitboundconfinethrottleMore general act, moveMore specific tie, hamper, stiffen, draw the line, mark off, reduce, restrain, scant, gate, demarcate +1 more
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: F. tramail, trémail, a net, LL. tremaculum, tremacle, a kind of net for taking fish; L. tres three + macula a mesh. See Three, and Mail armor.
1. A kind of net for catching birds, fishes, or other prey. Carew, Richard
2. A net for confining a woman's hair. Edmund Spenser
3. A kind of shackle used for regulating the motions of a horse and making him amble.
4. Fig.: Whatever impedes activity, progress, or freedom, as a net or shackle.
[They] disdain the trammels of any sordid contract.— Lord Francis Jeffrey
5. An iron hook of various forms and sizes, used for handing kettles and other vessels over the fire.
6. Mechanics (a) An instrument for drawing ellipses, one part of which consists of a cross with two grooves at right angles to each other, the other being a beam carrying two pins (which slide in those grooves), and also the describing pencil. (b) A beam compass. See under Beam.
1. To entangle, as in a net; to catch. rare William Shakespeare
2. To confine; to hamper; to shackle.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54