Rope

(rõp.) [From A. S. rap.] (Manuf.) A large kind of cordage, formed by the twisting of several strands of hempen yarn together. The smallest sort of R. is called cord, and the larger kinds cable. Large ropes are distinguished into two main cla es - the cable-laid and hawser-laid. The former are composed of nine strands, while the latter consist only of three. R. of from 1 to 2½ inches in circumference are usually hawser-laid; those from 3 to 10 inches are either hawser or cable laid; but when more than 10 inches, they are always cable-laid. R. is either white or tarred; the first being the most serviceable when not exposed to moisture; the second, vice vers a.- Wire-R., of both iron and steel, has, in recent times, come to be largely employed in setting up the standing-rigging of ships. [s. 778]