Handlock

noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A locking mechanism that operates by hand.

    "This efficient assembly is mounted on anti-vibration points, and handlocks enable the trolley to be rigidly fixed in pre-set and intermediate focusing positions."

  2. 2
    shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs wordnet
  3. 3
    A restraint that attaches to the wrist, especially a shackle or handcuff.

    "Hugh MacGerrald, being duly sworn and examined, deposeth that he was apprehended by William Graeme, the Provost Marshal, who kept him seven days in his custody, tied with a handlock, and two several times the said Graham threatened to hang this examt. if he would not do service against Phelim MacPheagh, one time sending for a ladder, and another time shewing a tree, whereupon he would hang him and the ropes and withes, but the examt. making protestation of having no matter to lay to the said Phelim's charge did choose rather to suffer than to impeach him without a cause."

  4. 4
    A hold for restraining another person by immobilizing their hand.

    "Lisa gets me in a handlock and starts to kiss me."

  5. 5
    Immobilization of the hand.

    "Typical hypnotic phenomena such as handlock, involuntary body immobility, and selective amnesia were produced by direct suggestion alone, without trance induction, although trance subjects showed more of the phenomena."

Verb
  1. 1
    To restrain with, or as with, a handlock.

    "With respect to the discipline of the place, there appeared to be but little coercion: two patients only were manacled to their beds, and four were handlocked; the two that were manacled to their beds, and the four that were handlocked, had merely been so, according to the statement of the Keeper, for a few hours, the two in their beds having had, it being a remarkably hot day, a great accession of fever."

  2. 2
    To lock by means of a handlock.

    "She turns, and closes, and handlocks the door."

  3. 3
    To restrain by holding so as to immobilize the hand.

    "'Vanity of vanities,' said Holdenough, smiling kindly at the same time, and still holding his recovered friend's arm inclosed and handlocked in his."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From hand + lock.

Etymology 2

From hand + lock.

Next best steps

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: handlock