Obs. A chain formerly inserted between the bit and the leather rein of a bridle, to prevent the leather from being rotted by the water when the horse drinks.
1598. Florio, Siciliana, the water-cheine of a bit.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., VII. xlv. § 13. 371. The remembrance of which field is retained vnto this day, by certaine small Hilles there remaining, whence haue beene digged the bones of men, Armour, and the water-chaines of horse-bridles.
