door chain

noun

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of door chain¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg