catch-rope

English

cowboy spinning a catch-rope

Alternative forms

• catchrope, catch rope

Etymology

catch +‎ rope

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.
   • 1988, Lee Floren, Powdersmoke Lawyer, page 69:

     The rifle ball hit the catch-rope two feet from Buck's saddle horn.

   • 1993, Theodore V. Olsen, Canyon of the Gun and Haven of the Hunted, page 7:

     With the hand-ax Calem slashed down some saplings and fashioned a pair of half-shelters for them, using his catch-rope to lash the poles together and thatching each with leafy slashings.

   • 2013, Bernard S. Mason, Roping:

     The catch-ropes used in the workaday life of the cowboys are usually made of an extra quality hemp rope that is exceptionally smooth and hard in finish.

2. A rope or cable that acts as an extra means of securing a tram car or similar conveyance should the main cable break.
   • 1873, Engineering and Mining Journal - Volume 15, page 75:

     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.

   • 1917, Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office, page 754:

     An aerial ropeway comprising a traveling car, a hauling rope, a hauling gear, a catch-rope movable in both directions, a clamp on the car for engaging the catch-rope, said catch-rope being moved upon being seized by the said clamp, and arresting means for the catch-rope, controlled by the motion of the catch-rope.

   • 2000, Mining & Construction - Issues 3-2003, page 22:

     If the head loosens , it is restrained by a wire inside the string — the catchrope — and a red light appears on the control panel .

3. A rope attached to something by which it can be easily grabbed.
   • 1939, Hydrocarbon Processing & Petroleum Refiner - Volume 18, page 80:

     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 clothing or protecting himself from burns.