ratline

Any of the small ropes fastened horizontally to the shrouds of a ship and forming a ladder for going aloft.

The material used for these ropes.

Nautical, one of a series of small ropes or lines which traverse the shrouds horizontally, thus forming the steps of ladders for going aloft.

Any of the cross ropes between the shrouds, which form a net like ropework, allowing sailors to climb up towards the top of the mast.

(nautical) a small horizontal rope between the shrouds of a sailing ship; they form a ladder for climbing aloft