different between ratlin vs ratline

English

ratlin (plural ratlins)

Apparently an alteration of raddling, after rat, line.

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.
- 1980, Richard W. Unger, The Ship in the Medieval Economy 600-1600, page 34
  That meant it was not possible to use ratlines — that is, to make rope ladders out of the shrouds by adding small connecting pieces of ropes.
(historical, in the plural) A system of escape routes for Nazis and other fascists fleeing Europe in the aftermath of World War II.

-traline, Latiner, art line, entrail, larnite, latrine, line art, reliant, retinal, trainel, trenail

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