Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

(Aut.)

(a)

The rope rigged below a yard, upon which men stand when reefing or furling; – formerly called a

horse

(b)

That part of the boltrope to which the lower edge of a sail is sewed.

Noun.

The lower boltrope, to which the lower edge of a sail is sewed. Also, a horse or rope to support men when reefing, &c.

footrope ‎(plural footropes)

(nautical) a rope attached to the lower part of a sail
(nautical) a rope attached to a yard that sailors stood on to stabilize it when furling or reefing

rope attached to sail

rope that sailors stand on