Chāin1, n.
(66), n. [Fr. chaîne, O. Fr. cadene, Pr. & Sp. cadena, Pg. cælea, It. & Lat. catena; hence N. H. Ger. ketten, kette, M. H. Ger. kētene, O. H. Ger. kētina, chētina. See CATENATE.]
Sense 1. A series of links or rings, usually of metal, connected or fitted into one another, used for various purposes, as of support, of restraint, of ornament, of connection, of the exertion and transmission of mechanical power, &c.
Sense 2. That which confines, fetters, or secures; a bond. “Chains of darkness.” Milton.
Sense 3. A series of things linked together; or a series of things connected and following each other in succession; as, a chain of mountains; a chain of events.
Sense 4. (Surv.) An instrument used in measuring land, consisting of links.
☞ The one commonly in use is Gunter’s chain, which consists of one hundred links, each link being seven inches and ninety-two one hundredths in length; making up the total length of four rods, or sixty-six feet; hence, a measure of that length. An acre, contains ten square chains. Math. Dict.
Sense 5. (Naut.) A strong plate of iron bolted at the lower end through the side to the ship’s timbers.
Chain-plates, thick iron plates bolted to the side of a vessel, to which the chain and dead-eyes that support the masts by the shrouds are connected. — Chain-wales. See CHANNEL. — Top-chains, slings made of chain for the lower yards, used in time of action, to prevent their falling; — so called as being kept in the tops. Totten.
See GEARING-CHAIN.