drag chain

American  

noun

Shipbuilding.

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of drag chain

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

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

From A Journey to America in 1834 by Heywood, Robert

Drove over mountains chiefly covered with oaks and pines; the chief danger in crossing these mountains is the snapping of the drag chain.

From A Journey to America in 1834 by Heywood, Robert

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

From The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume II by Kenyon, Frederic G. (Frederic George), Sir

And the oxen put their heads down, and Uncle John put the yoke over and the bows under, and he put the plough on the drag and hooked the drag chain to the yoke.

From The Sandman: His Farm Stories by Hopkins, William J.

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

From A Journey to America in 1834 by Heywood, Robert