Lexic.us

Definition of Ratline

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

Definition of Ratline

1. Noun. (nautical) The cross ropes between the shrouds, which form a net like ropework, allowing sailors to climb up towards the top of the mast. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Ratline

1. one of the ropes forming the steps of a rope ladder on a ship [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Ratline

Literary usage of Ratline

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Text-book of Seamanship: The Equipping and Handling of Vessels Under Sail Or by Stephen Bleecker Luce, United States Naval Academy (1898)
"Girt or swifter the shrouds in by securing a piece of ratline stuff to the forward shroud, take it aft and around the next shroud and haul as taut as ..."

2. Seamanship: Comp. from Various Authorities, and Illustrated with Numerous by Stephen Bleecker Luce (1877)
"A clove-hitch is then formed outside, around the next leg, with a marline-spike, .and the ratline hove taut. In this manner it is made to reach the after- ..."

3. The Building of a Wooden Ship by Charles Gerard Davis, Thomas William Clarke, Frank Steel Drown (1918)
"ratlineS—short lengths of ratline-stuff seized with a clove hitch across the shrouds ... It is the custom to carry every fifth ratline to the after shroud. ..."

4. Wooden Shipbuilding: A Comprehensive Manual for Wooden Shipbuilders, to edited by William John Thompson (1918)
"ratline Stuff.— A small tarred line that is used to rattle rigging. ratlines.— Short lengths of ratline stuff seized and clove-hitched, fourteen inches ..."

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