ratline

or rat·lin

[ rat-lin ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. any of the small ropes or lines that traverse the shrouds horizontally and serve as steps for going aloft.
2. Also ratline stuff. three-stranded, right-laid, tarred hemp stuff of from 6 to 24 threads, used for ratlines, lashings, etc.

ratline

/ ˈrætlɪn /

noun

1. nautical any of a series of light lines tied across the shrouds of a sailing vessel for climbing aloft

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratline¹

First recorded in 1475–85; earlier ratling, radelyng < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratline¹

C15: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

For women artists, substance use is generally grouped under the larger umbrella of madness, historically a kind of ratline to institutionalization, often against their will, for women ranging from Zelda Fitzgerald to Britney Spears.

From New York Times

I leaned back and looked up at the rope ladders of ratlines climbing the masts.

From Salon

With the exception of his ratline in April, and an attack on a Rutland gym trying to eke out an existence in May, we’d say the Governor has operated admiringly within these margins.

From Washington Times

The path to the “ratline” comes into view.

From The Guardian

In addition, historians still have many questions about the notorious "ratline" - an escape route facilitated by some Catholic clergy who helped Nazi war criminals flee to South America after the war.

From BBC