local. [Origin unascertained.] Also trat-line, a name on the east coast of England for a line having baited hooks hung along its length, laid near the water’s edge, and fastened down at each end, to catch fish when the tide flows over it; a set line.
1894. Daily News, 26 April, 6/5. At Deal … the catches of two boats consisted of nearly 700 fine whiting as well as codfish and dabs. These were taken on rods and ‘trat’ lines.
1905. in Eng. Dial. Dict. (from Yorkshire).
