Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun Nautical.
- any of the small ropes or lines that traverse the shrouds horizontally and serve as steps for going aloft.
- Also ratline stuff. three-stranded, right-laid, tarred hemp stuff of from 6 to 24 threads, used for ratlines, lashings, etc.
noun
- nautical any of a series of light lines tied across the shrouds of a sailing vessel for climbing aloft
“thin rope,” especially as used on sailing ships, late 15c., originally ratling, of unknown origin; spelling ratline attested from 1773, by influence of line (n.).