chain pump

noun

1. a pump consisting of buckets, plates, or the like, rising upon a chain within a cylinder for raising liquids entering the cylinder at the bottom.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chain pump¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

Mr. Galvin, the master's mate, after incredible difficulty, got into the main top—he was below when the ship sank, directing the men at the chain pump.

From Project Gutenberg

When hydraulic draining-engines were first employed is not known, but even so late as the close of the eighteenth century some mines were drained by the rag and chain pump worked by 36 men.

From Project Gutenberg

The following is the way of indicating the increase or decrease of the water in an underground sump, whether it is pumped by this rag and chain pump or by the first pump, or the third, or some other.

From Project Gutenberg

This apparatus is identical with the Cornish "rag and chain pump" of the same period, and we have therefore adopted that term.

From Project Gutenberg

The chain pump and other pumps of simple form have only been improved since Hero's day in matters of detail.

From Project Gutenberg