ratline

American  

[rat-lin] / ˈræt lɪn /

Or ratlin

noun

Nautical.

1. any of the small ropes or lines that traverse the shrouds horizontally and serve as steps for going aloft.

2. Also ratline stuff three-stranded, right-laid, tarred hemp stuff of from 6 to 24 threads, used for ratlines, lashings, etc.

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ratline British  

/ ˈrætlɪn /

noun

1. nautical any of a series of light lines tied across the shrouds of a sailing vessel for climbing aloft

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Etymology

Origin of ratline

First recorded in 1475–85; earlier ratling, radelyng < ?

Example Sentences

With the exception of his ratline in April, and an attack on a Rutland gym trying to eke out an existence in May, we’d say the Governor has operated admiringly within these margins.

From Washington Times • Dec. 4, 2020

He led me down a ratline that they had built by knocking holes in walls.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 18, 2016

As I stand on deck, not knowing what to do, I watch the sails shred then heal, shred then heal above me, the scars on the fabric becoming as thick as the ratline ropes.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

A sailor came slipping down the ratline one night, as though something had happened, and the sailors cried, "What's the matter?"

From The Wedding Ring A Series of Discourses for Husbands and Wives and Those Contemplating Matrimony by Talmage, T. De Witt (Thomas De Witt)

The foremost shroud of the lower rigging has only a "catch ratline;" that is, one ratline in about six continued to the shroud that lies furthest forward.

From Golden Days for Boys and Girls, Vol. XIII, Nov. 28, 1891 by Elverson, James