Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A chain used to secure the upper tiers of a load of logs after the capacity of the regular binding-chains has been filled.
- noun Nautical, a chain to sling the lower yards in time of action to prevent them from falling if the ropes by which they are hung are shot away.
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- noun (Naut.) A chain for slinging the lower yards, in time of action, to prevent their falling, if the ropes by which they are hung are shot away.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun nautical A
chain forslinging the loweryards , in time of action, to prevent their falling, if the ropes by which they are hung are shot away.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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The grum top-chain voice of Captain Spike had nothing there to mingle with, or interrupt its harsh tones, and it instantly brought on deck Harry Mulford, the mate in question, apparently eager to receive his orders.
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During the whole day we met with no interruption from the natives; and at night the launch was again moored with a top-chain; and guard-boats stationed round both ships as before.
A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 16 Robert Kerr 1784
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