rope Meaning, Definition & Usage

Rope noun

Etymology

AS. rap; akin to D. reep, G. reif ring hoop, Icel. reip rope, Sw. rep, Dan. reb, reeb Goth. skaudaraip latchet.

Definitions

1. A large, stout cord, usually one not less than an inch in circumference, made of strands twisted or braided together. It differs from cord, line, and string, only in its size. See Cordage.
2. A row or string consisting of a number of things united, as by braiding, twining, etc.; as, a rope of onions.
3. pl. The small intestines; as, the ropes of birds.

Rope intransitive verb

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Roped ; present participle & verbal noun Roping

Definitions

1. To be formed into rope; to draw out or extend into a filament or thread, as by means of any glutinous or adhesive quality.

   Let us not hang like ropingicicles Upon our houses' thatch. Shak.

Rope transitive verb

Definitions

1. To bind, fasten, or tie with a rope or cord; as, to rope a bale of goods. Hence: --
2. To connect or fasten together, as a party of mountain climbers, with a rope.
3. To partition, separate, or divide off, by means of a rope, so as to include or exclude something; as, to rope in, or rope off, a plot of ground; to rope out a crowd.
4. To lasso (a steer, horse). Colloq. U.S.
5. To draw, as with a rope; to entice; to inveigle; to decoy; as, to rope in customers or voters. Slang, U.S.
6. To prevent from winning (as a horse), by pulling or curbing. Racing Slang, Eng.