Crossword Genius

They are linked with land measures (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chains

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'measures' is the definition.
(chain is a kind of measure)

'they are linked with land' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'are' could be 'a' (short for 'are', historical unit of measurement) and 'a' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'chins' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chains that I've seen before include "Restraints; series" , "Metal ropes with links (6)" , "Cash in (anag)" , "Restriction" , "Cash in for manacles and irons" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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