Definition of HANDCUFF

handcuff

Meanings

Plural: handcuffs

Noun

  • shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs
  • One ring of a locking fetter for the hand or one pair.

Verb

  • confine or restrain with or as if with manacles or handcuffs
    • "The police handcuffed the suspect at the scene of the crime"
  • To apply handcuffs to someone.
  • to restrain or restrict.

Origin / Etymology

From hand + cuff (“end of shirtsleeve”). Possibly an adaptation of Middle English handcops (“shackles for the hand, handcuffs”), from Old English handcops, from hand + cops, cosp (“fetter, chains”), but due to a lack of continuity (centuries between Old English and the modern term), generally analyzed as a re-invention. Nominal form first appears c. 1591 in the publications of John Florio. Verbal form first appears c. 1649.

Scrabble Score: 20

handcuff is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
handcuff is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
handcuff is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 22

handcuff is a valid Words With Friends word