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(), n.[F. chane, fr. L. catena. Cf. Catenate.] 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 the exertion and transmission of mechanical power, etc. [They] put a chain of gold about his neck. Dan. v. 29. 2. That which confines, fetters, or secures, as a chain; a bond; as, the chains of habit. Driven down To chains of darkness and the undying worm. Milton. 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 or ideas. 4. (Surv.) An instrument which consists of links and is used in measuring land. 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 rods, or sixty-six, feet; hence, a measure of that length; hence, also, a unit for land measure equal to Chain v. t.[imp. p. p.Chained (chnd); p. pr. & vb. n.Chaining.] 1. To fasten, bind, or connect with a chain; to fasten or bind securely, as with a chain; as, to chain a bulldog. Chained behind the hostile car. Prior. 2. To keep in slavery; to enslave. And which more blest? who chained his country, say Or he whose virtue sighed to lose a day? Pope. 3. To unite closely and strongly. And in this vow do chain my soul to thine. Shak. 4. (Surv.) To measure with the chain. 5. To protect by drawing a chain across, as a harbor. スポンサード リンク
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