Chains meaning : A series of interconnected rings or links usually made of metal. A series of interconnected things. A series of stores or businesses with the same brand name. A number of atoms in a series, which combine to form a molecule. A series of interconnected links of known length, used as a measuring device. A long measuring tape. A unit of length equal to 22 yards. The length of a Gunter's surveying chain. The length of a cricket pitch. Equal to 20.12 metres, 4 rods, or 100 links. A totally ordered set, especially a totally ordered subset of a poset. A sequence of linked house purchases, each of which is dependent on the preceding and succeeding purchase (said to be "broken" if a buyer or seller pulls out). That which confines, fetters, or secures; a bond. (in the plural) Iron links bolted to the side of a vessel to bold the dead-eyes connected with the shrouds; also, the channels. The warp threads of a web. To fasten something with a chain. To link multiple items together. To secure someone with fetters. To obstruct the mouth of a river etc with a chain. To obligate. To relate data items with a chain of pointers. To be chained to another data item. To measure a distance using a 66-foot long chain, as in land surveying. (associated with Acorn Computers) To load and automatically run (a program).