- Rope's end
- Rope Rope, n. [AS. r[=a]p; akin to D. reep, G. reif ring hoop,
Icel. reip rope, Sw. rep, Dan. reb, reeb Goth. skaudaraip
latchet.]
1. A large, stout cord, usually one not less than an inch in
circumference, made of strands twisted or braided
together. It differs from cord, line, and string, only in
its size. See {Cordage}.
[1913 Webster]
2. A row or string consisting of a number of things united, as by braiding, twining, etc.; as, a rope of onions. [1913 Webster]
3. pl. The small intestines; as, the ropes of birds. [1913 Webster]
{Rope ladder}, a ladder made of ropes.
{Rope mat}., a mat made of cordage, or strands of old rope.
{Rope of sand}, something of no cohession or fiber; a feeble union or tie; something not to be relied upon.
{Rope pump}, a pump in which a rapidly running endless rope raises water by the momentum communicated to the water by its adhesion to the rope.
{Rope transmission} (Mach.), a method of transmitting power, as between distant places, by means of endless ropes running over grooved pulleys.
{Rope's end}, a piece of rope; especially, one used as a lash in inflicting punishment.
{To give one rope}, to give one liberty or license; to let one go at will uncheked. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.