Link Centre Dictionary

handcuffs

hand·cuffs

UK/ˈhændˌkʌfs/ US/ˈhæˌndkʌfs/ fairly common

noun

1.

shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs

Synonyms

Origin

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.

Phrases

  • Chinese handcuffs
  • digital handcuffs
  • golden handcuffs
  • velvet handcuffs

Related words

Word family

Broader terms

WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.