Trammels
/ˈtræməlz/noun
Plural of trammel: a restraining net, shackle, or obstacle that prevents movement or progress.
Did you know?English trammel likely came through Old French from a Latin term for a three-meshed fishing net, so the word’s history is tied to the image of entangling and capturing.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
trīmaculum
“A three-meshed net; an entangling fishing net.”
Old French
Old French
tramail
“A three-meshed fishing net used for trapping fish.”
Middle English
English
trammel
“A net, snare, or shackle used to restrain movement.”
14th–15th Century
English
trammels
“Plural form used for restraints, fetters, or hindrances.”
Modern English
English
trammels
“Restraints, obstacles, or impediments.”