This noun denotes a noose, slip-knot, or snare—originally a loop for catching birds or restraining animals. In 1 Corinthians 7:35, Paul clarifies that his advice about singleness aims not to place a restraint or snare upon believers, but to promote good order. The word suggests something that catches, binds, or restricts freedom of movement. Classical usage includes snares for hunting, mesh in nets, and metaphorically, any restricting obligation. The translations vary: Spanish lazo ("lasso/bond"), French piège ("trap"), German Schlinge ("noose"), all conveying restricting constraint Paul explicitly disclaims.