ratline
pronunciation
How to pronounce ratline in British English:
UK ['rætlɪn]
How to pronounce ratline in American English:
US ['rætlɪn]
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- Noun:
- (nautical) a small horizontal rope between the shrouds of a sailing ship; they form a ladder for climbing aloft
Word Origin
- ratline (n.)
- "thin rope," especially as used on sailing ships, late 15c., originally ratling, of unknown origin; spelling ratline attested from 1773, by influence of line (n.).
Example
- 1. He fled germany at the end of the war via a ratline to south america , and was captured by the mossad in argentina .