handcuffs

1775, from hand +‎ cuff (“end of shirtsleeve”).[1]

Possibly influenced by Old English handcops, from hand + cops (“fetter, chains”), but due to lack of continuity (centuries between Old English and modern term), generally analyzed as a re-invention.[1]

handcuffs pl (plural only)

1. (plural only) A fastening consisting of two metal rings, designed to go around a person's wrists, and connected by a chain or hinge.
   • 2014, Ian Black, "Courts kept busy as Jordan works to crush support for Isis", The Guardian, 27 November 2014:

     Security is tight inside and outside the building, guarded by a bewildering collection of soldiers, policemen and gendarmes. Relatives watch as prisoners in handcuffs and leg irons shuffle past.

• manacles
• shackles

• handcuff

handcuffs

1. plural of handcuff

handcuffs

1. Third-person singular simple present indicative form of handcuff