ratline
/ˈrætˌlaɪn/
noun
- A small rope or line used as a step on a ship's rigging; a rung of a rope ladder on a sailing vessel.
- She gripped the ratline tightly as the ship rocked in the storm.
- The old sailor taught the cadet how to tie a ratline to the mast.
- The ratlines were worn and needed to be replaced before the next voyage.