Dictionary
Thesaurus
Sentence Examples

Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » ratline

ratline

(rat′lin)

noun

any of the small, relatively thin pieces of tarred rope which join the shrouds of a ship and serve as the steps of a ladder for climbing the rigging

also sp. ratlin

Origin: altered by folk etym. < LME ratling, radeling < ?

See ratline in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also rat·lin

noun

Any of the small ropes fastened horizontally to the shrouds of a ship and forming a ladder for going aloft.
The material used for these ropes.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English rathelinge (line), wattling, ratline (cord)

.

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

About YourDictionary Advertisers Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Help
© 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp. All Rights Reserved. Audio pronunciation provided by LoveToKnow, Corp.