Teth"er (?), n. [Formerly tedder, OE. tedir; akin to LG. tider, tier, Icel. tjō&?;r, Dan. töir. √64.] A long rope or chain by which an animal is fastened, as to a stake, so that it can range or feed only within certain limits.

Teth"er, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tethered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Tethering.] To confine, as an animal, with a long rope or chain, as for feeding within certain limits.

And by a slender cord was tethered to a stone.

Teth"er (?), n. [Formerly tedder, OE. tedir; akin to LG. tider, tier, Icel. tjō&?;r, Dan. töir. √64.] A long rope or chain by which an animal is fastened, as to a stake, so that it can range or feed only within certain limits.

Teth"er, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tethered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Tethering.] To confine, as an animal, with a long rope or chain, as for feeding within certain limits.

And by a slender cord was tethered to a stone.

• a rope, cable etc. that holds something in place whilst allowing some movement
  
• (by extension) the limit of one's abilities, resources etc
  
• to restrict something with a tether