Dictionary Entry

fetters

A chain or similar object used to bind a person or animal – often by its legs (usually in plural).

Origin

Origin details are still being enriched for this entry.

Common Phrases

. fettersfetters iron

Missing dictionary details are being fetched in the background.

Synonyms

Antonyms

No antonyms yet.

Poetry examples for “fetters”

Excerpts from the ReadingWillow English Library collection.

of seasons that fall and rise,
Bound fast round with the fetters of flesh,
and blinded with light that dies,

Him timeless[245] death took, she was deified.
I saw one's legs with fetters black and blue,
By whom the husband his wife's incest[246] knew:

Among a chain of quaint and touching things,
That you are feeble, weighted down with fetters,
And given to strange deeds and mutterings.

With fetters gold her captivated feet
Lay, sunny sweet;

To the Clown's scorn,
The fetters of the threefold golden chain:
Narrowing to nothing all his worldly gain;

Grief brought to numbers cannot be so fierce,
For he tames it, that fetters it in verse.

The heart which love of thee alone can bind;
And when thy sons to fetters are consigned--
To fetters, and the damp vault's dayless gloom,

Naked for greater shame,
He lies, with fetters on each foot,
Wrapt in a sheet of flame!

And o'er him spread the deep impervious shade.
Clos'd are his eyes, and heavy fetters keep
His senses bound in never-waking sleep,

Body and soul the purpose to pursue,
God traced for both? If fetters, not a few,
Of prejudice, convention, fall from me,