a heavy iron ball fastened by a chain to a prisoner's leg.
2.
a burdensome restraint:
The steady accumulation of small debts was a ball and chain to his progress.
3.
Facetious Slang: Often Offensive. a person's spouse or romantic partner, especially a female.
Origin
1825-35, Americanism
Usage note
In the meaning “romantic partner,” this term is consciously used for humorous or playful effect. But it is often perceived as insulting, implying that the partner is a burden or restriction on the other partner.
Examples from the web for ball and chain
Others had to wear a ball and chain or were put in the stocks.
The ball and chain was riveted around a prisoner's ankle.
Carr will probably bo kept hereafter with a ball and chain attached to him.
British Dictionary definitions for ball and chain
ball and chain
noun
1.
(formerly) a heavy iron ball attached to a chain and fastened to a prisoner
2.
a heavy restraint
3.
(slang) a wife
Word Origin and History for ball and chain
n.
a type of prisoner's restraint, 1818; as "one's wife," 1920.
Idioms and Phrases with ball and chain
ball and chain
A burden and restraint, as in Karen regarded her job as a ball and chain, but she needed the money. The term, dating from the early 1800s, alludes to chaining a heavy iron ball to a prisoner's leg. Later it was transferred to other kinds of restraining burden.