Fetter \Fet"ter\, n. [AS. fetor, feter; akin to OS. feter?s, pl., OD. veter, OHG. fezzera, Icel. fj["o]turr, L. pedi?a, Gr. ?, and to E. foot. [root] 77. See Foot.]

[Chiefly used in the plural, fetters.]

1. A chain or shackle for the feet; a chain by which an animal is confined by the foot, either made fast or disabled from free and rapid motion; a bond; a shackle.

[They] bound him with fetters of brass. --Judg. xvi. 21.

2. Anything that confines or restrains; a restraint.

Passion's too fierce to be in fetters bound. --Dryden.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Fetter \Fet"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fettered; p. pr. & vb. n. Fettering.]

1. To put fetters upon; to shackle or confine the feet of with a chain; to bind.

My heels are fettered, but my fist is free. --Milton.

2. To restrain from motion; to impose restraints on; to confine; to enchain; as, fettered by obligations.

My conscience! thou art fettered More than my shanks and wrists. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)