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Glite Dictionary
ratlin

ratlin

9.9
A small rope fixed between the side ropes of a ship to make steps for climbing the mast
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : escalera de jarcia
  • Years of weather had frayed the old ratlins on the port side.

Examples

  • The sailor placed his foot on a ratlin and began to climb up the mast.

  • The sailor climbed the ratlin to reach the crow's nest.

  • She scrambled up the ratlins with practiced ease, reaching the top sail.

  • The ratlins on the ship were worn from years of use.

  • The sailor climbed up the ratlin to reach the ship's mast.

  • To get to the crow's nest, he used the ratlin as a step ladder.

  • She carefully positioned her foot on the ratlin to avoid slipping as she ascended.

Synonyms

ratline
vsratlin
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A short horizontal rope tied between mast ropes to make a ladder on a ship

is identical in sense but uses an alternative spelling form

Surface Forms

ratlin singular
ratlins plural

Etymology

Ratlin (often spelled ratline) comes from the idea of a small 'line' or rope used as a step on a ship. A helpful way to remember it is to think of line as a 'rung' on a ladder, so ratlins are the rope 'rungs' sailors climb to reach the sails.