The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
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] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
ratlings — 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… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
rattlings — 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… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
