English Dictionary

devil's rope

noun

Mortal sin. / An open branching shrub (Cylindropuntia imbricata) with cylindrical joints, which are covered with short raised ridges like the plait of a rope.

The devil's rope is a symbol of mortal sin.

意味（1）

Mortal sin.

...those who are dragged to the gallows of hell by the devil's rope, that is, mortal sin, and will not confess.

意味（2）

An open branching shrub (Cylindropuntia imbricata) with cylindrical joints, which are covered with short raised ridges like the plait of a rope.

意味（3）

A variety of cochineal, (Dactylopius newsteadi), used to destroy Cylindropuntia imbricata.

意味（4）

(US, southwest, slang) Barbed wire

The devil's rope was originally designed to keep cows from roaming, Indians from encroaching, and the cowboys from singing their lonesome ballads.