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

I leaned back and looked up at the rope ladders of ratlines climbing the masts.

From Salon

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

The path to the “ratline” comes into view.

From The Guardian

In addition, historians still have many questions about the notorious "ratline" - an escape route facilitated by some Catholic clergy who helped Nazi war criminals flee to South America after the war.

From BBC

There, Nazis hiding in Spain planned the “ratlines,” their escapes from Europe into Latin America.

From Washington Post