chain plate

noun

, Nautical.

1. any of the metal plates secured to the hull of a sailing vessel or elsewhere to hold shrouds and backstays at their lower ends.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chain plate¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Their painter was fast to a chain-plate, and they cast it adrift.

From Project Gutenberg

The gale meanwhile freshened, and freshened yet more; and the Betsey leaned over till her lee chain-plate lay along in the water.

From Project Gutenberg