chain

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A row of connected metal rings, used for pulling, holding, or as jewellery.

   He wore a gold chain around his neck.

2. 2
   noun

   A group of shops or businesses owned by the same company.

   That chain of restaurants is opening in our town.

3. 3
   noun

   A connected series of things or events.

   A chain of mistakes led to the accident.

From Middle English cheyne, chaine, from Old French chaine, chaene (“chain”), from Latin catēna (“chain”), from Proto-Indo-European *kat- (“to braid, twist; hut, shed”). Doublet of catena. Displaced native Middle English rakil and rakent (from Old English racente (“chain”)); see rackan.

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