footrope

American  

[foot-rohp] / ˈfʊtˌroʊp /

noun

Nautical.

1. the portion of the boltrope to which the lower edge of a sail is sewn.

2. a rope suspended a few feet beneath a yard, bowsprit, jib boom, or spanker boom to give a footing for a person handling sails.

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footrope British  

/ ˈfʊtˌrəʊp /

noun

1. the part of a boltrope to which the foot of a sail is stitched

2. a rope fixed so as to hang below a yard to serve as a foothold

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Etymology

Origin of footrope

First recorded in 1765–75; foot + rope

Example Sentences

A footrope ran below the spar; one could balance oneself by its help and he vaguely distinguished somebody close by.

From Wyndham's Pal by Bindloss, Harold

Here, still faint and dizzy, he hung with the footrope jammed against his heel, as he felt for the gasket that held the canvas to the yard.

From Thurston of Orchard Valley by Dunton, W. Herbert

"We'll be through in another two minutes—" he began, and then came a terrific shock, and both he and I were jerked off the footrope, and toppled over the yard on to the bellying foresail!

From "Pig-Headed" Sailor Men From "The Strange Adventure Of James Shervinton and Other Stories" - 1902 by Becke, Louis

Jimmy laughed as he swung himself up to the footrope.

From Thrice Armed by Bindloss, Harold

Kampke was blown overboard off the footrope that ran under the yard, as he stood there hauling in on the sail.

From Tramping on Life An Autobiographical Narrative by Kemp, Harry