spancelled
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈspæn.səld/
KK: /ˈspæn.səl/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is tied or restrained, often referring to an animal that is unable to move freely due to being bound.
Example
The horse was spancelled, making it difficult for it to run.
Conversation
Did you see that horse at the fair?
Yeah, it looked a bit spancelled when it was walking.
I thought it was just a little tired.
Maybe, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was hobbled with a spancelled leg.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hobbled
restricted
bound
Antonyms
free
unhindered
unrestricted
verb
Definition
To tie or bind the legs of an animal, especially a horse, to prevent it from moving freely.
Example
The farmer spancelled the horse to keep it from running away.
Tense Forms
Past: spancelled
Past Participle: spancelled
Conversation
Did you hear about the sheep that spancelled last week?
No, what happened?
It got caught in the fence and couldn't move at all!
Root Explanation
Spancelled is derived from the word 'spancel', which comes from the Old English 'spancl', meaning a strap or band used to bind the legs of an animal. The suffix '-ed' indicates a past action. Therefore, 'spancelled' refers to the act of having been bound or tied up with a strap.
Memory Tip
Think of a strap ('spancl') used to bind something, and remember that 'spancelled' means having been tied up.
Visually Confused Words
unpanelled
stancheled