AA and I (Stephenie Gaustad) had some researching to do for this question. We have lots of open books laying around the house because of it. And it is the reason for the delay.
Alden is a little miffed... : ) He thinks there is a good definition of rope in the Big Book, to whit: "rope: thick, stong, cord-like structure of at least 3 strands, each strand having 2 or more strands. Strands are formed up-twist, and the rope is laid down-twist of the strands. Rope cannot be made through normal yarn plying techniques. Also made through braiding and plaiting although technically not rope at that point. Ropes may be made of a vast array of materials: wire, rags, plastic strips, straw and so on. See also cord.
There. Alden says now his ego is satisfied, however he did not come up with that one on his own. It seems there is much interest in defining the word "rope" as it applies in the general use of the word. This is about as difficult as defining the word "door". My thinking on the matter is that a definition of the topic is something that we all can agree upon. So, try this one on for size....
"A long flexible structure consisting of many strands of wire, plastic, vegetable fiber such as Manila. Rope is classified (in Engineering) as a flexible connector and is used generally for hoisting, conveying or transporting loads, transmitting motion and occasionally transmitting power. For flexibility and to reduce stresses as the rope bends over the sheave (pulley), a rope is made of many small strands. This is taken from the McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, 6th Ed., 1984.
O.K, that is a place to start.
Here is another try. This time based on the concept that you have an idea of what a rope is.
"Rope: is 3 or more left-handed strands, twisted together right-handed called plain laid rope." and in the same work- (addendum to the appendix)
"Rope: anything in cordage over 1 inch in circumference." These are taken from the Ashley Book of Knots, current edition.
Now, thats not going to make much sense unless you already know what a strand is. That is a strand is "2 or more yarns or threads twisted together normally left-handed." You also need to know that "anything in cordage over 1 in circumference" is just a little bit over 5/16 inch in diameter.
We can go on like this for hours. We have the OED open on the back tables in the bindery and there are about 50 entries under rope. Scattered about the house, on every available table are MYFORD'S GUIDE FOR THE MERCHANT SAILOR, Plymouth Cordage Company, pamphlet 60, GUIDE TO PRACTICAL MERCHANT SEAMANSHIP; MEDLEY OF SAIL AND STEAM, ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS, ENCYCLOPEDIA OF KNOTWORK, MILLWRIGHTS GUIDE, RIGGERS HANDBOOK, THE BLUE JACKETS HANDBOOK, various pamphlets dealing with ropes, cords, strings, twine and few if any of them bother (I use the word deliberately) to define a "rope" as being something sacred, with everything else being some kind of potato.
Plus there is the internet, of course- Wikipedia has some fascinating stuff and there are various rope-oriented websites and whatnot.
There are differences between British and American Merchant Service terminology. In closing for the present, there is occasionally a great difference between Naval Service, Merchant Service, the whaling fleets and what is referred to as the yachting crowd. In all cases, it is important for the individual to "know the ropes".
Does this help or hinder?
ps. we welcome rope input, pictures, sketches, articles. Credit is given where credit is due.
Alden Amos for Studio Gaustad
Posted
May 26, 2009 1:47 PM
by
Gwen Powell