: any of the small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds of a ship so as to form the steps of a rope ladder —usually used in plural.

Where did the term Ratlines originate?

Because the freshman are called “rats” by the upper-classmen tormentors, the regimen is traditionally referred to as the ratline. There is no secret escape; students must endure or drop out.

What are shrouds on a ship?

On a sailing boat, the shrouds are pieces of standing rigging which hold the mast up from side to side. There is frequently more than one shroud on each side of the boat. … Shrouds are attached symmetrically on both the port and starboard sides.