RAT LINE
lɪn noun Nautical.
1.
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, rat·lin.
Origin:
1475–85; earlier ratling, radelyng < ?
1475–85; earlier ratling, radelyng < ?
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To rat line
Collins
World English Dictionary
ratline or ratlin (ˈrætlɪn) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| nautical any of a series of light lines tied across the shrouds of a sailing vessel for climbing aloft | |
| [C15: of unknown origin] | |
| ratlin or ratlin | |
| —n | |
| [C15: of unknown origin] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Rat line
is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
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