Dictionary.com
definitions

fetter

[ fet-er ]
/ ˈfɛt ər /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR fetter ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a chain or shackle placed on the feet.
Usually fetters. anything that confines or restrains: Boredom puts fetters upon the imagination.

verb (used with object)

to put fetters upon.
to confine; restrain.

RELATED WORDS

hinder, hog-tie, clog, chain, encumber, repress, bind, manacle, leash, check, restrict, trammel, shackle, handcuff, cuff, hobble, restrain, curb, confine, hamper

Nearby words

  1. fetoscopic,
  2. fetoscopist,
  3. fetoscopy,
  4. fetotoxicity,
  5. fetta,
  6. fetter bone,
  7. fetterbush,
  8. fetterlock,
  9. fettle,
  10. fettler

Origin of fetter

before 900; Middle English, Old English feter; cognate with Old High German fezzera, Old Norse fjǫturr; akin to foot
Related formsfet·ter·er, nounfet·ter·less, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for fetter

British Dictionary definitions for fetter

fetter

/ (ˈfɛtə) /

noun

(often plural) a chain or bond fastened round the ankle; shackle
(usually plural) a check or restraintin fetters

verb (tr)

to restrict or confine
to bind in fetters
Derived Formsfetterer, nounfetterless, adjective

Word Origin for fetter

Old English fetor; related to Old Norse fjöturr fetter, Old High German fezzera, Latin pedica fetter, impedīre to hinder
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for fetter
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper