Usually, trammels. a hindrance or impediment to free action; restraint

the trammels of custom.

an instrument for drawing ellipses.

Also called tram. a device used to align or adjust parts of a machine.

trammel net.

a fowling net.

a contrivance hung in a fireplace to support pots or kettles over the fire.

a fetter or shackle, esp. one used in training a horse to amble.

to involve or hold in trammels; restrain.

to catch or entangle in or as in a net.

noun

check , circumscription , constraint , cramp , curb , inhibition , limit , limitation , restraint , stricture

verb

enmesh , ensnare , ensnarl , entrap , snare , tangle , trap , web , chain , fetter , hamstring , handcuff , hobble , leash , manacle , shackle , tie