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handlock

handlock

9.9
A metal loop that fastens around each wrist to stop the hands moving
  • noun
  • /ˈhændlɒk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : grillete
  • The guard secured the suspect's wrists with a pair of handlocks before escorting him to the station.

Examples

  • He struggled to free himself from the handlock, but the metal held firm around his wrist.

  • Police found an old set of handlocks in the evidence room, rusted from years of disuse.

  • The police placed a handlock on the suspect's wrist.

  • He managed to escape from the handlocks after several attempts.

  • The guard secured the suspect's wrists with a pair of handlocks before escorting him to the station.

  • He struggled to free himself from the handlock, but the metal held firm around his wrist.

  • Police found an old set of handlocks in the evidence room, rusted from years of disuse.

Synonyms

cuff
vshandlock
134 5.6

A metal band that locks around the wrist to stop a person from moving their hands

is described specifically as a locking loop rather than a general band
shackle
vshandlock
57 7.1

A metal U-shaped clamp used to join heavy things together

is the specific wrist loop used in pairs rather than a general fastener
handcuff
vshandlock
14 3.2

A metal ring that locks around a wrist used by police to stop someone moving

is less associated with police and described as a simple metal loop
manacle
vshandlock
5 8.6

A metal ring that locks around a wrist to stop someone moving

is described as a locked loop focusing on the wrist rather than general restraint

Antonyms

1.8

To let someone or something go free from being held

How Restrictive

shackle
57 7.1
handlock
  • Archaic
9.9
handcuff
14 3.2

Surface Forms

handlock singular
handlocks plural

Morphology

handlock = hand + lock (transparent) = hand + lock

The compound is a straightforward 'hand' + 'lock' meaning a locking device for the hand, which is directly inferable.

Etymology

The word handlock is made from hand ('hand' or 'wrist') and lock ('to fasten' or 'secure'), so it literally means a lock for the hand. That's why a handlock is a metal loop or shackle that fastens around the wrist to hold a person's hands in place.