subs. (common).—A handcuff, Fr. alliances = wedding rings: tartouve; lacets; see DARBIES.
1661. Wit and Drollery, quoted in Disraeli Curiosities of Literature (Tom o’ Bedlams). [Fetters are called BRACELETS in a song in this work.]
1671. R. HEAD, The English Rogue, I., lv., 371 (1874). Fetters confined my legs from stragling, and BRACELETS were clapt upon my arms.
1839. W. H. AINSWORTH, Jack Sheppard (1889), 62. ‘Thank you—thank you!’ faltered Jack, in a voice full of emotion. ‘I’ll soon free you from these BRACELETS.’
1848. W. H. AINSWORTH, James the Second, I., ii. ‘It may be, young squire, you’ll have to go … with a pair of BRACELETS on your wrists, and pay your next reck’nin’ to the gov’nor of Newgate.’
1871. M. E. BRADDON, Robert Ainsleigh. You’d better slip the BRACELETS on him, Jim. The fellow on my left produced a pair of handcuffs.
1877. W. H. THOMSON, Five Years’ Penal Servitude, v. 359. He travels with other people who are also bound to London, and who, seeing him handcuffed, know very well his steel BRACELETS are not the insignia of honour.
1885. G. R. SIMS, Rogues and Vagebonds. ‘Ah, but I do,’ exclaimed the detective, suddenly seizing the trembling wretch. ‘Come, let’s slip the BRACELETS on.’
