Ratline

[rætlin]

Definition

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

Checker: Selma--From WordNet

Definition

n. one of the small lines or ropes traversing the shrouds and forming the steps of the rigging of ships—also Rat′ling Ratt′ling.—n. Rat′line-stuff (naut.) a tarred rope from which ratlines are made.

Checker: Mae