1. 1. A connected, flexible series of links, typically of metal, used especially for holding objects together or restraining or for transmitting mechanical power.
   2. Such a set of links, often of precious metal and with pendants attached, worn as an ornament or symbol of office.
2. A restraining or confining agent or force.
3. chains
   1. Bonds, fetters, or shackles.
   2. Captivity or oppression; bondage: threw off the chains of slavery.
4. A series of closely linked or connected things: a chain of coincidences. See synonyms at series.
5. A number of establishments, such as stores, theaters, or hotels, under common ownership or management.
6. A range of mountains.
7. Chemistry. A group of atoms bonded in a spatial configuration like links in a chain.
8. 1. An instrument used in surveying, consisting of 100 linked pieces of iron or steel and measuring 66 feet (20.1 meters). Also called Gunter's chain.
   2. A similar instrument used in engineering, measuring 100 feet (30.5 meters).
   3. (Abbr. ch) A unit of measurement equal to the length of either of these instruments.

1. To bind or make fast with a chain or chains: chained the dog to a tree.
2. To restrain or confine as if with chains: workers who were chained to a life of dull routine.

pull (or yank) (someone's) chain

1. To take unfair advantage of someone; deceive or manipulate someone.

[Middle English chaine, from Old French, from Latin catēna.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.