door chain

noun

a short chain with a removable slide fitting that can be attached between the inside of a door and the doorjamb to prevent the door from being opened more than a few inches without the chain being removed.

First recorded in 1830–40

Natasha puts one end of the door-chain to a little hook in the door.

There was but one—the one that had been present when Uncle Mo was adjusting that door-chain.

Still the Portier had not come back and the door chain swung in the wind.

I went down to the street door, and quietly put up the door chain.

Across the little door-chain she thrusts the signed paper and a tip into the hand of the messenger.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse