any of the small ropes or lines that traverse the shrouds horizontally and serve as steps for going aloft.
2.
Also, ratline stuff. three-stranded, right-laid, tarred hemp stuff of from 6 to 24 threads, used for ratlines, lashings, etc.
Also, ratlin.
Origin
1475-85; earlier ratling, radelyng < ?
British Dictionary definitions for ratline
ratline
/ˈrætlɪn/
noun
1.
(nautical) any of a series of light lines tied across the shrouds of a sailing vessel for climbing aloft
Word Origin
C15: of unknown origin
Word Origin and History for ratline
n.
"thin rope," especially as used on sailing ships, late 15c., originally ratling, of unknown origin; spelling ratline attested from 1773, by influence of line (n.).