Definition

Adjective 1. Tied up or fastened securely, often with ropes or string: Describes something, typically a person, animal, or object, that has been tightly bound to restrict movement or to hold parts together. 2. Prepared for cooking by being tied: Specifically used to describe poultry or meat that has been tied with string to maintain a compact shape during roasting.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective (Bound):
  • The hostages were found trussed and gagged in the basement.
  • The burglars left the security guard trussed up with cable ties.
• Adjective (Culinary):
  • For even cooking, it's best to buy a trussed chicken from the butcher.
  • The recipe calls for a trussed roast, ready for the oven.

Advanced Usage

• "Trussed up": A common phrasal form emphasizing the act of being tied securely, often implying being rendered helpless.
  • He was discovered trussed up in the closet, unable to call for help.

Variants and Related Words

• Truss (verb): The action of tying or binding securely.
  • Truss the chicken before roasting it.
  • The kidnappers began to truss their captive.
• Truss (noun): A structural framework or a surgical support device; also, a bundle or pack.
  • The bridge is supported by a steel truss.

Synonyms

• Bound
• Tied
• Secured
• Fettered (more literary/formal)
• Hog-tied (informal, specific to having limbs tied together)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Truss up: To tie someone or something very tightly.
  • They trussed up the packages with strong twine for shipping.

Adjective

1. bound or secured closely
   • the guard was found trussed up with his arms and legs securely tied
   • a trussed chicken