Search Result for "ratlins": 

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]