From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Footrope \Foot"rope`\, n. (Aut.)
(a) The rope rigged below a yard, upon which men stand when
reefing or furling; -- formerly called a horse.
(b) That part of the boltrope to which the lower edge of a
sail is sewed.
[1913 Webster]