Definition of "chain" []

• A connected, flexible series of links, typically of metal, used especially for holding objects together or restraining or for transmitting mechanical power. (noun)
• Such a set of links, often of precious metal and with pendants attached, worn as an ornament or symbol of office. (noun)
• A restraining or confining agent or force. (noun)
• Bonds, fetters, or shackles. (noun)
• Captivity or oppression; bondage: threw off the chains of slavery. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "These causes of war do not appear, however, to be of the nature of a _chain_, giving us the impression that in order to break the habit of war, all we need do is to discover the weakest link in the chain of causes, break the chain there, and so interrupt the whole mechanism of war-making in the world."
• "The gneiss of the littoral chain* contains traces of the precious metals (* In the southern branch of this chain which passes by Yusma, Villa de Cura and Ocumare, particularly near Buria, Los Teques and Los Marietas.); and some grains of gold have been found in the mountains of Parima, near the mission of Encaramada."
• "II. i.195 (251,4) [usurer's chain] I know not whether the _chain_ was, in our authour's time, the common ornament of wealthy citizens, or whether he satirically uses _usurer_ and _alderman_ as synonymous terms."