guide rope

noun

1. a rope fastened, usually at an angle, to a hoisting or towing line, to guide the object being moved.
2. Aeronautics. a long rope hung downward from a balloon and trailing along the ground, used to regulate the altitude of the balloon and to act as a brake.

guide rope

noun

1. a stay or rope attached to another rope that is lifting a load, either to steady the load or guide the rope
2. See dragrope
   another name for dragrope

Word History and Origins

Origin of guide rope¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The man on the edge of the pit who was holding the guide rope attached to the swinging derrick was caught in the rush of workmen.

From Project Gutenberg

Seizing the buckets, they strung out, making their way down the steep slope with one hand on the guide-rope.

From Project Gutenberg

By the time he reached the end of the guide rope, nausea was creeping up from his stomach and into his throat.

From Project Gutenberg

We soon ran out our guide-rope; but even when we had raised it clear of the earth, we still went up very rapidly.

From Project Gutenberg

The balloon is furnished besides with a grapnel, and a guide-rope; which latter is of the most indispensable importance.

From Project Gutenberg