vbl. sb. [f. FETTER v.1 + -ING1.] The action of binding with fetters.
a. 1623. Gosson, in Spurgeon, Treas. Dav., Ps. cxlix. 8. If he once fall to fettering of princes, it shall be done so sure, that no flesh shall be able to knock off their bolts again.
1873. Burton, Hist. Scot., V. lix. 332. The Perth citizen’s familiar way of treating the fettering of a Highlander. It was by putting breeks or breeches on him—a playful allusion, no doubt, to the known deficiency of his race in this garment.
1874. H. R. Reynolds, John Bapt., ii. 98. That sign shall be the deafening of such unwilling ears, the fettering of such unwilling tongue.
attrib. 1812. Examiner, 28 Sept., 621/2. The old man was … pushed forward to the fettering block.
