noun
fetters; shackles; hobbles; encumbrance; hindrance; burden; trap
Literally, a device that restrains the feet; figuratively, anything that restricts freedom or progress, such as an obligation, debt, or oppressive rule.
囚人は足かせをはめられていた。
The prisoner was put in fetters.
借金が
Debt has become a shackle on his life.
Kanji spelling for both literal and figurative senses; also read あしがせ in older usage.
Rarely used single-kanji form; mainly encountered in historical or literary contexts.
手かせ refers specifically to handcuffs or manacles, while 足かせ refers to restraints for the feet.
束縛 is a more abstract term for restraint or restriction, often used in psychological or social contexts, whereas 足かせ can be used both literally and figuratively with a stronger image of physical hindrance.
Compound of 足 (ashi, 'foot') and 枷 (kase, 'shackles'). The reading あしがせ is an older voiced variant.