I. ˈchān noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English cheyne, from Anglo-French chaene, from Latin catena
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a series of usually metal links or rings connected to or fitted into one another and used for various purposes (as support, restraint, transmission of mechanical power, or measurement)
b. : a series of links used or worn as an ornament or insignia
c.
(1) : a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying
(2) : a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
2. : something that confines, restrains, or secures
3.
a. : a series of things linked, connected, or associated together
a chain of events
a mountain chain
b. : a group of enterprises or institutions of the same kind or function usually under a single ownership, management, or control
fast-food chain s
c. : a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain
II. transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1. : to obstruct or protect by a chain
2. : to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain ; also : fetter