See Also: padlock(dictionary)
padlock(dictionary)

padlock (iou)



padlock noun & verb. L15.
[from unkn. 1st elem. + LOCK noun2.]
A. noun. A detachable lock designed to hang on the object fastened, having a pivoted or sliding shackle for passing through a staple, ring, etc., before being locked into a device resembling a socket. L15.
b. verb trans. Secure by means of a padlock. M17.
L. Grant-Adamson The gates of the villa were still padlocked but light came from a ground floor window. fig.: Sir W. Scott My mouth shall never be padlocked by any noble of them all.