fetter

[fet-er]

noun

1. a chain or shackle placed on the feet.

2. Usually fetters. anything that confines or restrains.

   Boredom puts fetters upon the imagination.

verb (used with object)

1. to put fetters upon.

2. to confine; restrain.

fetter

/ ˈfɛtə /

noun

1. (often plural) a chain or bond fastened round the ankle; shackle

2. (usually plural) a check or restraint

   in fetters

verb

1. to restrict or confine

2. to bind in fetters

Other Word Forms

• fetterless adjective
• fetterer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetter¹

before 900; Middle English, Old English feter; cognate with Old High German fezzera, Old Norse fjǫturr; akin to foot

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetter¹

Old English fetor ; related to Old Norse fjöturr fetter, Old High German fezzera , Latin pedica fetter, impedīre to hinder