chained

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chain

left to right: figaro, sash, and stud links

chain

(chān)

a. A connected, flexible series of links, typically of metal, used especially for holding objects together, for restraining, or for transmitting mechanical power.

b. Such a set of links, often of precious metal and with pendants attached, worn as an ornament or symbol of office.

c. often chains Football Such a set of links measuring ten yards and attached to a pole at each end, moved up and down the field to indicate necessary yardage for gaining a first down.

2. A restraining or confining agent or force.

3. chains

a. Bonds, fetters, or shackles.

b. 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 series of chemically bonded atoms, especially carbon atoms, which may be arranged in an open, branched, or cyclic structure.

a. 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.

b. A similar instrument used in engineering, measuring 100 feet (30.5 meters).

c. Abbr. ch A unit of measurement equal to the length of either of these instruments.

tr.v. chained, chain·ing, chains

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.

Idiom:

pull/yank (someone's) chain

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

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

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Adj.

chained - bound with chains; "enchained demons strained in anger to gnaw on his bones"; "prisoners in chains"

enchained

bound - confined by bonds; "bound and gagged hostages"

Translations

incatenato

References in classic literature ?

"We call it," replied the cripple, "the Eight Chained Ourang-Outangs, and it really is excellent sport if well enacted."

View in context

We reached the city of Warhoon after some three days march and I was immediately cast into a dungeon and heavily chained to the floor and walls.

View in context

And so I caused Hor Vastus to be harnessed in the metal of a Zodangan soldier and chained in Parthak's cell beside him.