/
ˈtram(ə)l/
n.
-
(trammels)
literary restrictions or impediments to freedom of action.
-
(also trammel net)
a three-layered net, designed so that a pocket forms when fish attempt to swim through, thus trapping them.
- an instrument consisting of a board with two grooves intersecting at right angles, in which the two ends of a beam compass can slide to draw an ellipse.
- US a hook in a fireplace for a kettle.
v.
(trammels, trammelling, trammelled; US trammels, trammeling, trammeled)
constrain or impede.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. tramail, from a med. L. var. of trimaculum, perh. from L. tri- ‘three’ + macula ‘mesh’.
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