This is the 10303rd most frequent Portuguese word.
esposas
"Esposas" can mean "wives" (plural of wife) or "handcuffs" in English.
Here, 'esposas' refers to the wives in a relationship context.
As esposas do casal estavam na reunião.
The spouses of the couple were at the meeting.
'Esposas' here refers to the object used by law enforcement to restrain individuals, i.e., handcuffs.
Ele usou esposas para deter o suspeito.
He used handcuffs to detain the suspect.
In casual or poetic use, 'esposas' may denote a restraint or adornment, but this usage is rare and context-dependent.