handcuffs

noun

1. (plural, plural-only)A fastening consisting of two metal rings, designed to go around a person's wrists, and connected by a chain or hinge.

   “It was the sergeant who had spoken to me, and he was now looking round at the company, with his handcuffs invitingly extended towards them in his right hand, and his left on my shoulder.”

   “Security is tight inside and outside the building, guarded by a bewildering collection of soldiers, policemen and gendarmes. Relatives watch as prisoners in handcuffs and leg irons shuffle past.”

2. (figuratively, plural, plural-only)Any abstract constraint, such as rules, regulations, or lack of resources.

   “They complained that their rules of engagement were handcuffs that guaranteed counterproductivity.”

3. (form-of, plural)plural of handcuff

verb

1. (form-of, indicative, present, singular, third-person)third-person singular simple present indicative of handcuff