v. t. [ Ham + shackle. ] To fasten (an animal) by a rope binding the head to one of the fore legs;
n. [ G. hamster. ] (Zool.) A small European rodent (Cricetus frumentarius). It is remarkable for having a pouch on each side of the jaw, under the skin, and for its migrations. Hamsters are commonly kept as a pets. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]
n. (Anat.) One of the great tendons situated in each side of the ham, or space back of the knee, and connected with the muscles of the back of the thigh. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
So have they hamstrung the valor of the subject by seeking to effeminate us all at home. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]