chain stitch

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. A decorative sewing stitch in which loops are connected like the links of a chain.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A stitch used in various kinds of ornamental needlework, in ordinary sewing (in contrast with the lockstitch) by some sewing-machines, and as the characteristic method in tambour-work. To form chain-stitches in sewing, a loop is made on the right side of the stuff, and the thread, being passed backward through the stuff, is brought out again in the middle of this loop, and then pulled tight; another loop is then formed; and so on. In tambour-work the fabric itself is formed by such stitches made with a crochet-hook.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. See in the Vocabulary.
2. An ornamental stitch like the links of a chain; -- used in crocheting, sewing, and embroidery.
3. A stitch in which the looping of the thread or threads forms a chain on the under side of the work; the loop stitch, as distinguished from the lock stitch. See Stitch.
4. n. See in the Vocabulary.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. a looped stitch resembling the links of a chain; used in embroidery and in sewing
2. n. the most basic of all crochet stitches made by pulling a loop of yarn through another loop