leg-iron

A prisoner wears a leg-iron while walking in the yard.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A shackle for the leg: "leg-iron" refers to a metal band or ring fastened around a prisoner's ankle, often connected to a chain, used to restrict movement or prevent escape.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The prisoner was fitted with a heavy leg-iron to prevent any attempt to flee. (A metal restraint on the ankle.)
  • Historical dungeons often displayed rusted leg-irons as relics of past punishment. (Shackles used for confinement.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be in leg-irons": to be physically restrained by leg shackles.

  • The convict remained in leg-irons during the entire trial. (The prisoner was kept with shackles on his legs.)

• "to put someone in leg-irons": to place leg restraints on a person.

  • The guards put the rebellious inmate in leg-irons as a disciplinary measure. (They applied the shackles to his legs.)

Variants and Related Words

• Leg-iron (n): A compound word; no common variants exist, but note the hyphenated form.
• Iron (n): The metal material from which leg-irons are typically made.
  • The leg-iron was forged from solid iron. (The shackle was made of iron metal.)

Synonyms

• Shackle: a ring or band used to confine a person's limbs.
• Fetter: a chain or manacle used to restrain the feet.
• Manacle: a metal restraint for the hands or feet (though more common for wrists).

Related Idioms

• To be in chains: to be physically restrained, often by leg-irons or similar devices.

  • The captive was in chains, with leg-irons clanking with every step. (He was bound with metal restraints on his legs.)

• To throw someone in irons: to put a person in leg-irons or other metal restraints.

  • The captain ordered the mutineer thrown in irons. (The leader was shackled with leg-irons.)