 ENCYCLOPÆDIA
BRITANNICA: Handcuffs: Device
for shackling the hands, used by police on prisoners under arrest. Until
modern times, handcuffs were of two kinds: (1) the figure 8, which
confined the hands close together either in front of or behind the body,
and (2) rings that fitted around the wrists and were connected by a
short chain, these being somewhat like those used by modern police
forces. The old names were manacles; shackbolts, or shackles; gyves; and
swivels. Most modern handcuffs are made of steel, adjustable to the
wrist size, and equipped with an automatic locking device. Disposable
handcuffs of nylon are now available; their advantage is that a police
officer can easily carry several pairs, for example, at the scene of a
riot. |
DICCIONARIO DE LA REAL ACADEMIA
ESPAÑOLA: Esposas: (De esposa) f. pl. Manillas de
hierro con que se sujeta a los presos por las muñecas. Llamanse así
por que hacen juntar una mano con la otra estrechamente, como se juntan
las de los desposados. Lat. Manica, arum.
