rudder-chain

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. Nautical, one of two strong chains often shackled to the after part of a rudder, near the water-line. Each chain is about 6 feet long, and into its end is spliced a rope pendant, which is stopped to eyebolts along the ship's counter, some slack being allowed for the working of the rudder. In case of damage to the rudder-head, the ship can be steered by those pendants worked by tackles.