handline

/ˈhændlaɪn/
noun
  1. A fishing line that is held in the hand rather than attached to a rod.
    • He caught a large catfish using a simple handline from the dock.
    • The old fisherman preferred a handline because it was easy to pack.
    • She tied a hook to the handline and dropped it into the river.
  2. A rope or line used for support or guidance, held by hand.
    • The climbers used a handline to cross the slippery rock face.
    • The rescue team set up a handline so the hikers could descend safely.
    • He grabbed the handline to steady himself on the steep trail.
Synonyms