ratline noun & verb. ['ratlɪn] Also ratlin, (earlier) ratling [-lɪŋ]. LME.
[Origin unkn.]
Nautical.
A. noun. Any of the small lines fastened across the shrouds of a sailing ship like ladder-rungs and used to climb the rigging (usu. in pl.); thin line or rope used for these (more fully ratline stuff). LME.
B. verb trans. Provide with ratlines. L15-E18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲