top-rope

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A rope used for hoisting and lowering a topmast, and for other purposes.
2. 2
   A rope, used for the climber's safety, which runs from a belayer at the foot of a route through one or more carabiners connected to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the climber, usually attaching to the climber by means of a harness.

Verb

1. 1
   To belay from a fixed anchor point above the climber.
2. 2
   Alternative form of top-rope.