noun
also rat·lin or rat·tling ˈratlə̇n
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1. or ratline stuff : small, usually 3-stranded, tarred rope used for cross ropes on ship's shrouds
2. : one of the small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds of a ship and forming the steps of a rope ladder — see ship illustration
[s]ratline.jpg[/s]