Hypertext Webster Gateway: "ratlines"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Ratlines \Rat"lines\, ratlins \rat"lins\, 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.
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