Rud′der-chain.
(Nautical.) One of the chains whereby the rudder is fastened to the stern quarters. They are shackled to the rudder by bolts just above the water-line, and hang slack enough to permit the free motion of the rudder. Their use is to prevent the rudder being lost in the event of its becoming unshipped. They also sometimes led inboard, to be used in steering should the rudder-head or tiller give way.