A shackle, also known as a gyve, is
a U-shaped piece of metal secured with a clevis pin or bolt across
the opening, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release
locking pin mechanism. The term also applies to handcuffs and other
similarly conceived restraint devices that function in a similar
manner. Shackles are the primary connecting link in all manner of
rigging systems, from boats and ships to industrial crane rigging,
as they allow different rigging subsets to be connected or
disconnected quickly.
