Definition of "fore-chains" [fore-chains]

• Strong, narrow plates of iron bolted to the ship's timbers through the side, abreast the foremast.

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "There was part of a stanchion left erect, belonging to the bulwark near the fore-chains, so, going under the lowermost side of the wreck, he took the cord he had made on shore, and fastening a stone to it that Enee used for a sinker to her fishing-line, he cast it over the stanchion after the manner of the lasso wielded by South"
• "The beach was swarming with men, who gave her a cheer, and flung their hats up; and in two or three minutes as many gangways of timber and rope were rigged to her hawse-holes, or fore-chains, or almost anywhere."
• "Wilson seized the lead-line, sprang to the fore-chains, and threw the lead; the rope ran out between his fingers, at the third knot the lead stopped."