Define whipping a rope.

Define whipping a rope.

• A. A knot that ties a rope to another rope.
• B. Securing the loose ends of a rope to keep them from unraveling.
• C. Joining two rope ends with a knot.
• D. Coating a rope with wax to prevent fraying.

Answer: (B)

Whipping a rope is wrapping the end with a strong binding to stop the fibers from unraveling. The exposed end of a rope tends to fray, and a tight wrap of twine or small cord around that end locks the fibers in place, protects the end from moisture and wear, and keeps the rope usable longer. This is different from tying a knot to join two ropes or attaching one rope to another, which are separate techniques with different purposes. It’s also not about coating the rope with wax, which is a protective coating rather than end binding. So the idea of securing the loose end to keep it from unraveling is exactly what whipping accomplishes.

Whipping a rope is wrapping the end with a strong binding to stop the fibers from unraveling. The exposed end of a rope tends to fray, and a tight wrap of twine or small cord around that end locks the fibers in place, protects the end from moisture and wear, and keeps the rope usable longer. This is different from tying a knot to join two ropes or attaching one rope to another, which are separate techniques with different purposes. It’s also not about coating the rope with wax, which is a protective coating rather than end binding. So the idea of securing the loose end to keep it from unraveling is exactly what whipping accomplishes.