(1.) A part of the insignia of office. A chain of gold was placed about Joseph's neck (Genesis 41:42); and one was promised to Daniel (5:7). It is used as a symbol of sovereignty (Ezek. 16:11). The breast-plate of the high-priest was fastened to the ephod by golden chains (Exodus 39:17, 21).

(2.) It was used as an ornament (Proverbs 1:9; Cant. 1:10). The Midianites adorned the necks of their camels with chains (Judges 8:21, 26).

(3.) Chains were also used as fetters wherewith prisoners were bound (Judges 16:21; 2 Samuel 3:34; 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7). Paul was in this manner bound to a Roman soldier (Acts 28:20; Ephesians 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:16). Sometimes, for the sake of greater security, the prisoner was attached by two chains to two soldiers, as in the case of Peter (Acts 12:6).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) A series of links or rings, usually of metal, connected, or fitted into one another, used for various purposes, as of support, of restraint, of ornament, of the exertion and transmission of mechanical power, etc.

2. (n.) That which confines, fetters, or secures, as a chain; a bond; as, the chains of habit.

3. (n.) A series of things linked together; or a series of things connected and following each other in succession; as, a chain of mountains; a chain of events or ideas.

4. (n.) An instrument which consists of links and is used in measuring land.

5. (n.) Iron links bolted to the side of a vessel to bold the dead-eyes connected with the shrouds; also, the channels.

6. (n.) The warp threads of a web.

7. (v. t.) To fasten, bind, or connect with a chain; to fasten or bind securely, as with a chain; as, to chain a bulldog.

8. (v. t.) To keep in slavery; to enslave.

9. (v. t.) To unite closely and strongly.

10. (v. t.) To measure with the chain.

11. (v. t.) To protect by drawing a chain across, as a harbor.