Definition for ROPE

ROPE, n. [Sax. rap; Sw. rep; Dan. reeb; W. rhaf; Ir. ropa, roibin.]

  1. A large string or line composed of several strands twisted together. It differs from cord, line, and string, only in its size; being the name given to all sorts of cordage above an inch in circumference. Indeed the smaller ropes, when used for certain purposes, are called lines. Ropes are, by seamen, ranked under two descriptions, cable-laid, and hawser-laid; the former composed of nine strands, or three great strands, each consisting of three small ones; the latter made with three strands, each composed of a certain number of rope-yarns. – Mar. Dict.
  2. A row or string consisting of a number of things united; as, a rope of onions.
  3. Ropes, [Sax. roppas,] the intestines of birds. – Lye. Rope of sand, proverbially, feeble union or tie; a band easily broken. – Locke.

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