Ratlins

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Ratlines \Rat"lines\, Ratlins \Rat"lins\ (r[a^]t"l[i^]nz), n.
     pl. [Of uncertain origin.] (Naut.)
     The small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds and
     forming the steps of a rope ladder. [Written also {ratlings},
     and {rattlings}.] --Totten.
     [1913 Webster]