Bible Dictionary
Fetters
Fetters were restraints placed around the feet, usually made of brass or iron and commonly used in pairs. They were used to confine prisoners and captives.
Definition
Fetters were restraints made for the feet. They were ordinarily made of brass and commonly fashioned in pairs, though iron was also used.
Biblical Usage
Fetters are associated with the confinement of persons and appear in biblical references to restraints placed on prisoners or captives.
Historical Background
The term for fetters was distinguished from chains, which could restrain other parts of the body. Its grammatical form was dual, reflecting the usual pair of restraints.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Fetters were for the feet only, while chains were for any part of the body. They were usually made of brass, and also in pairs, the word being in the dual number. Iron was occasionally employed for the purpose. (Psalms 105:18; 149:8)