catchrope

Noun

catch-rope (plural catch-ropes)

1. The rope that a cowboy uses to rope animals, having a loop on one end with which to capture the animal.
   • The rifle ball hit the catch-rope two feet from Buck's saddle horn.1988, Lee Floren, Powdersmoke Lawyer, page 69
2. A rope or cable that acts as an extra means of securing a tram car or similar conveyance should the main cable break.
   • The cars are besides provided with an extra catch-rope, and with safety catches or brakes similar to those used in mines, so that almost an absolute safety can be guaranteed to the many passengers who during the coming exhibition will probably not fail to visit the celebrated Leopoldsberg.1873, Engineering and Mining Journal - Volume 15, page 75
3. A rope attached to something by which it can be easily grabbed.
   • Should a worker's clothes catch fire , or should it be necessary for him to dash through flames to reach safety, he thrusts an arm through a catch-rope attached to the exposed edge of the blanket and , turning rapidly , wraps the blanket closely around him , thus extinguishing flames in his...1939, Hydrocarbon Processing & Petroleum Refiner - Volume 18, page 80