ratlines Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (nautical) a small horizontal rope between the shrouds of a sailing ship; they form a ladder for climbing aloft
    ratlin; ratline.

WordNet

Rat"lines, rat"lins noun plural (Also<
  • Ratlines
  • ratlins
)
Etymology
Of uncertain origin.
Definitions
  1. (Naut.) The small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds and forming the steps of a rope ladder. Written also ratlings, and rattlings. Totten.

Webster 1913