ratline
noun
any of the small ropes or lines that traverse the shrouds horizontally and serve as steps for going aloft.
ratlin
-
a variation of
ratline.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Hilloa!” exclaimed the skipper with a sudden start, next morning, as he saw Eric’s recumbent figure on the ratlin stuff, “who be this young varmint?”
From Eric, or Little by Little by F. W. (Frederic William) Farrar
He was in the act of placing a foot on the ratlin below him, to descend to the deck, when he half-unconsciously turned to take a last glance at this distant and seemingly immovable object.
From The Sea Lions The Lost Sealers by James Fenimore Cooper
These fellows are all Jimmy Duxes—sorry chaps, who never put foot in ratlin, or venture above the bulwarks.
From White Jacket or, the World on a Man-of-War by Herman Melville
Now Clinkumbell, wi’ ratlin tow, Begins to jow an’ croon; Some swagger hame, the best they dow, Some wait the afternoon.
From The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham by Robert Burns
There's great vartue in ratlin stuff, among boys.
From Miles Wallingford Sequel to "Afloat and Ashore" by James Fenimore Cooper
