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

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 Literature

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

From The New Yorker

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

Jerry, who did not like the turn which the joke had taken, moved up with a very reluctant step—at the rate of about one ratline in ten seconds.

From Project Gutenberg

If it was there, as soon as he caught sight of it, he would spring up into the rigging and sit on a ratline, as quiet and demure as a judge, without attempting to retaliate.

From Project Gutenberg