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Webster 1913 Edition

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.

Noun.

In ships, a chain to sling the lower yards in time of action, to prevent their falling when the ropes by which they are hung, are shot away.

top-chain ‎(plural top-chains)

(nautical) 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.