guest-rope

American  

[gest-rohp] / ˈgɛstˌroʊp /

Or guest rope

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.

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guest rope British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of guest-rope

1615–25; guest < ? + rope