Bondage Glossary

Terms Used In Bondage Play : Bondage Positions & Materials

Breast Bondage

In general use the term means any restraint applied around, above, below and near the breasts. However, most self-described breast-bondage lovers are interested in restrictions placed directly on the breasts, or wrapped around the base of the breasts. (See Breast Bondage)

Ballgag

A high-fetish gag which usually consists of a red ball on a black leather strap. Keeps the mouth open. Safer than most gags since there is little danger of choking or air blockage.

Chains

Chains are not commonly used on the skin of the submissive due their tendency to cause injury as and actual binding material. But are often part of a play session due to the sensations upon the submissives skin. Metal is cool to the touch and often a relief on areas of skin which have been warmed. Chains also offer great sound enticement during a session. Some dominants will use chains to fasten cuffs to bondage objects, such as a cross or eye hooks fastened on a doorway. Should you wish to use chain on the skin tissue rather than the other bondage materials mentioned above, be sure the chain is smooth and finished to prevent scraping and utilize the many styles of release clamps found at a hardware store. Chains do twist easily, so the Dominant should stay aware of any possible pinching of the skin tissue.

Cleave Gag

A gag which cleaves between the lips as it is wrapped around the head.

Collar, Collared

A collar worn without a leash is simply clothing or decoration. If the collar is attached to something that restricts movement, it is then regarded as bondage. Collars are often used in bondage activities. They may be training collars made of leather with strategically placed D or O rings for fastening, or they may be a common nylon dog collar from the pet store. Great care must be used when using a collar, due to the danger of choking the submissive. The novice is not advised to use any binding upon the neck until properly trained by a Mentor who is skilled in bondage techniques

Cosmetic

Some elements are referred to as "bondage" when they actually don't apply any restraint at all. For some bondage lovers, "cosmetics" are just as, or almost as, appealing as real restraint. Cosmetics may be for the pleasure of the viewer, or they may provide some kind of stimulation for the captive.

Crotchrope, Joyrope

Rope or ropes tied to pass between the legs. If it's connected to other bondage (such as the wrists), it's restraint; if it's not connected to anything else, it's for stimulation or cosmetic reasons.

C&B Bondage

Cock & Ball Bondage. Some C&B restrains the cock so that it can't engorge and get hard. Other C&B is applied after engorgement, and plays a part in maintaining or trapping the erection.

Cuffs

Another common restraint used in bondage are cuffs. Cuffs are most often designed for wrists, ankles and thighs. Leather cuffs are most common, purchased from fetish stores or on-line sources. Many beginners utilize collars from pet stores and adapt them to fit the activity they are planning. Many cat collars are made to break away and this is an ideal cuff for novice to use. Highly visible in BDSM web sites are metal handcuffs and ankle cuffs (shackles); though assumed to be popular, they arn’t recommended as they can cause undo discomfort and cause injury to the skin and tendons.

Detective Gag

Also called the Overmouth Gag. A mostly cosmetic gag which covers the lower half of the face, from just below the nose down to the chin.

Elbow-Bondage

Aficionados use this term for restraint which holds the elbows together, touching, behind the back -- a feat possible only with flexible, healthy captives. Term is sometimes loosely applied to any restraint which leashes the elbows toward each other.

Frogtie

Left ankle is bound to left thigh, right ankle is bound to right thigh. Wrists can be restrained various ways. The legs end up looking like "froglegs." An excellent sexual-access or breast-play position; not much good for spanking.

Gag

Any item or technique which muffles mouth sound or interferes with articulation. If the item doesn't really interfere with speech, it's a cosmetic gag.

Hair Bondage

The term refers not to restraining the hair, but using the hair as a bondage material to restrain the head.

Hammerlock

Wrists are crossed behind the back and pulled upward into the small of the back. Common in Japan, since Japanese women have broader torsos and are not as flexible for tying elbows together.

Handcuffs

Metal wrist restraints. Cheap unsafe versions are available everywhere, so buy wisely. Don't buy a brand that comes with a cloverleaf-head key -- those brands can jam when locked. Look for better-made cuffs with pin-top keys. They'll last a lifetime.

Hogite

Not the same as a rodeo hogtie. The human hogtie has the knees bent, with ankles connected to the upper body (usually the wrists). The hogtie is usually presented with the captive face down, but they can also be kneeling upright, as well as other variations. +

Institutional Restraints

Straitjackets, hospital-style straps and leather-cuffs for wrists, ankles and torso. When the term is more loosely applied, it can also refer to stocks and other historical governmental restraint.

Leash

No matter how long or how loose, a leash does restrict movement, so technically it is bondage. Can be a typical doggie leash of leather or chain, or even a rope leash. The neck is not the only part of the body that can be leashed. A leash can be attached to a wrist, the genitals, the waist, a piercing...

Lotus

Folding the legs in a floor-sitting position, like Buddha. The ankles are wrapped together.

Miscellaneous Bondage Furniture

Dominants with a dungeon area or extra space available in their homes, will utilize other bondage furnishings, such as St. Andrew crosses, T-cross, bondage benches, stockades, and/or modified carpentry horses. However, most Dominants utilize furnishings within their own home for bondage uses. Using his imagination, the Dominant may never look at a table, chair, weight bench or even his poster bed, in the same way. Expense, is not what makes bondage an enjoyable activity, it’s the matter of how you train your submissive and the skill with which you do it. Remember, that by being the Dominant your tools, gear and furniture are your responsibility; as is the safety of your submissive. Always inspect your items prior to having a session. Yes, there are painful pleasures; however, a splinter in your submissive’s buttocks is probably not your intent.

Mummification

Bondage which wraps and covers the majority of the body. Can be done with cloth bags, sleeves, tape, sheets, plastic wrap, etc.

Oriental Bondage, Web Bondage,Macrame

Bondage technique which applies rope or twine in a net-like decoration over the torso. Very popular in Japan and in gay bondage. Rope

Most often rope is used for bondage. Binding of the wrists and/or ankles is common, as well as attaching the wrists to other parts of the anatomy (waist, thighs, ankles). Some Dominants like to use scarves, belts, neckties or other flexible binding available, as a personal preference or due to availability of restraint materials. The submissive may also be bound to inanimate objects such as doorways (using hooks) , bondage crosses, spreader bars, tables, chairs and other bondage furniture, depending on what the Dominant is seeking in the activity. This activity allows for great imagination; however, skill and knowledge is essential. Rope can and will cut off circulation and/or create skin irritations if not carefully done. Soft rope, such as that used for boating is recommended for it will not tighten as easily as smaller diameter rope and bindings. Should your submissive struggle during the bondage session, rope and the knots will tighten. Keep a sharp instrument handy for adept release if there is any sign of danger or harm for the submissive.

Single-Glove

Also called a singlesleeve or (incorrectly) an armsleeve. Holds the arms behind the back. A strict single-glove holds the arms so that they actually touch each other behind the back.

Spead-Eagle

Any position which extends the limbs away from the torso. Classic Spread-Eagle: all four limbs separated, extending to four corners (usually on a bed). Standing Spread-Eagle: same as above, only upright. Eiffel Tower: legs are apart, but wrists are together above the head.

Spreader Bar

Item used to hold limbs apart, usually the ankles. Spreader Bars Spreader bars are a common bondage tool which are designed to separate the legs and/or arms. The length of these bars varies, most often in the two to three foot range. Eye hooks are attached to the bars on the ends, sometimes center, where cuffs may be fasten or the submissive’s collar. This is a restraint tool enjoyed by many Dominants like since it makes the submissive very accessible to them and positioning can easily be changed. It is also a bondage tool easily made from materials at a building supply store. The Dominant should be extremely aware of the construction of the bar, so no sharp edges or splinters will injure the submissive. Also be sure to check the hooks fastenings prior to use, to be sure they are soundly in place.

Strapping

Strapping materials are often used when binding a submissive to a table or other object; however is also used in binding the wrists and ankles together. The degree of restriction is greater with nylon webbing or leather strap materials. Note: When using strap items, check them thoroughly before use. If the item is frayed, ripped, has loose attachments, or is discolored, either repair the damage or throw the item away

Strappado

Position where the wrists are pulled high up behind the back, causing the captive to bend forward. Applies a lot of stress to the back; more painful than it looks.

Suspension

Sometimes refers to any part of the body lifted off the ground, but really should only be used for bondage positions where the whole body is off the ground. Suspension by the wrists is very unnatural for the wrist-bones, is moderately to extremely painful, and is usually possible for only a short while. Inverted Suspension: upside-down, by the ankles; can be done more comfortably, but adds extra risk since a fall would be on the head. The captive often gets a giddy, giggly head-rush. Hammock suspension: wrists and ankles, with the unsupported torso sagging down in the middle like a hammock. Breast suspension: supporting the body weight from the breasts can permanently injure the breasts; the only reason you see Japanese photos of this is because those men don't care whether they injure the captive. (Do you think a rational woman would want to string you up by only your balls?)