1. a rope or line extending along the bottom of a sail to which the sail is attached, or a rope stretched beneath a yard on a ship for sailors to stand on while working aloft
Usage: nautical; also spelled 'foot-rope'

Examples

• The sailor gripped the footrope tightly as he worked to furl the mainsail.
• The footrope runs along the bottom edge of the sail to keep it secure.
• Climbers on the yard depended on the footrope for stability in rough seas.
• The ship's crew inspected the footrope for signs of wear and damage.
• Without a sturdy footrope, working aloft would be far more dangerous.