ratling
Definition
Noun (nautical, usually plural): - A "ratling" (also spelled "ratline") refers to one of the small ropes or lines that form the steps of a rope ladder on a ship, used by sailors to climb the rigging.
Usage Examples
- (A step on the rope ladder.)
- (Each small rope step in the rigging.)
Advanced Usage
- "to go up the ratlings": to climb the rope ladder of a ship.
- The young apprentice learned to go up the ratlings with confidence. (To ascend the rigging using the rope steps.)
Variants and Related Words
Ratline (n): the more common spelling of "ratling."
- The ratline was frayed and needed replacement. (The rope step was worn.)
Ratlines (n, plural): the entire set of rope steps forming a ladder.
- The ratlines were secured to the shrouds. (The rope ladder system was attached to the ship's rigging.)
Synonyms
- Rope ladder step: a single rung in a ladder made of rope.
- Shroud step: a step attached to the shrouds (the supporting ropes of a mast).
Related Idioms
- (No common idioms exist for "ratling" as it is a specific nautical term.)
Phrasal Verbs
- (No phrasal verbs are associated with "ratling.")