trammel

¹tram·mel

noun \ˈtra-məl\

Definition of TRAMMEL

1

: a net for catching birds or fish; especially : one having three layers with the middle one finer-meshed and slack so that fish passing through carry some of the center net through the coarser opposite net and are trapped

2

: an adjustable pothook for a fireplace crane

3

: a shackle used for making a horse amble

4

: something impeding activity, progress, or freedom : restraint —usually used in plural

5

a : an instrument for drawing ellipses b : a compass for drawing large circles that consists of a beam with two sliding parts —usually used in plural c : any of various gauges used for aligning or adjusting machine parts

Examples of TRAMMEL

1. <students and parents who want to throw off the trammels of outdated school policies>

Origin of TRAMMEL

Middle English tramayle, a kind of net, from Old French tramail, from Late Latin tremaculum, from Latin tres three + macula mesh, spot — more at three

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TRAMMEL

Synonyms: balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, encumbrance

Related Words: catch, hitch, rub, snag; barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall; arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint; embargo, stoppage; delay, holdup, stall; burden, cumber, load; danger, hazard, peril, reef; adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship

Near Antonyms: catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

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Rhymes with TRAMMEL

camel, mammal, stammel, Tamil