guest-rope

or guest rope

[ gest-rohp ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a rope suspended from the side of a vessel or a boom as an object to which other vessels can moor, or to afford a hold for persons in such vessels.
2. a line sent out from a vessel to a fixed object or a buoy or anchor to help the vessel in warping.
3. a line, in addition to the towrope, to steady a boat in tow.

guest rope

noun

1. nautical any line sent or trailed over the side of a vessel as a convenience for boats drawing alongside, as an aid in warping or towing, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of guest-rope¹

1615–25; guest < ? + rope