the chains

noun

1. a flexible series of joined links, usually of metal, used to pull, confine, etc. or to transmit power
2. tire chain
3. 1. bonds, shackles, etc.
   2. anything that binds, ties, or restrains: chains of love
   3. captivity; bondage
4. any chainlike ornament, badge, etc.
5. a chainlike measuring instrument, or its measure of length; specif.,
   1. a surveyor's (or Gunter's) chain (66 feet or 20.117 meters or 100 links)
   2. an engineer's chain (100 feet or 30.48 meters or 100 links)
   3. Football a chain 10 yards in length, used to measure for a first down
      often the chains
6. a series of things connected causally, logically, physically, etc.: chain of events, mountain chain
7. ☆ a number of stores, restaurants, etc. owned by one company
8. Chem. a linkage of atoms in a molecule

transitive verb

1. to fasten or shackle with chains
2. to hold down, restrain, confine, etc.