ratline

== English == === Alternative forms === ratlin, rattlin, rattline === Etymology === Apparently a corruption of raddling by folk-etymological reanalysis as rat +‎ line. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈɹætlɪn/ === Noun === ratline (plural ratlines) (nautical, uncountable) The rope or similar material used to make cross-ropes on a ship. [from 14th c.] (nautical) 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. [from 17th c.] 1808–10, William Hickey, Memoirs of a Georgian Rake, Folio Society 1995, p. 80: [H]e laid hold of the first ratline with his right hand, then sprung to the second, with his left, and so on alternately, right and left, up to the last, close to the futtock shrouds. (historical, often in the plural) A system of escape routes for Nazis and other fascists fleeing Europe in the aftermath of World War II. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Descendants ==== → German: Rattenlinie (calque) ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === ratlines on Wikipedia.Wikipedia ratlines (World War II) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia === Anagrams === inter al., art line, -traline, Latiner, entrail, line art, trenail, trainel, larnite, reliant, latrine, retinal