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fetter

Syllabification: (fet·ter)
Pronunciation: /ˈfetər/
Translate fetter | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of fetter

noun

(usually fetters)
  • a chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles:he lay bound with fetters of iron
  • a restraint or check on someone’s freedom to do something, typically one considered unfair or overly restrictive:the fetters of discipline and caution

verb

[with object]
  • restrain with chains or manacles, typically around the ankles: (as adjective fettered)a ragged and fettered prisoner
  • restrict or restrain (someone) in an unfair or undesirable fashion:he was not fettered by tradition

Origin:

Old English feter; from an Indo-European root shared by foot

fetter in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of fetter in the British & World English dictionary

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