drag chain

noun

, Shipbuilding.

one of a number of chains attached to a hull about to be launched in restricted waters in order to slow its motion by dragging along the bottom.

First recorded in 1785–95

As for me, I know my place; I am only good for a drag chain.

The driver managed the drag chain by treading upon an iron lever.

Let him mend his breeches with his own drag-chain, as the saying is.

We descended safely, if the drag chain had snapt we should have been thrown down the precipice.

But the drag-chain on the progress of British intrepidity was at length to be taken of.

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