Definition of "ropy"

ropy

/ˈɹəʊpi/

adjective
comparative ropier or more ropy, superlative ropiest or most ropy
1. Resembling rope in appearance or texture, used especially of muscles that are thick or hard to the touch.
  Quotations
  Hence, myofascial pain is usually associated with a taut band, indicating a "ropey" thickening of muscle tissue.
  Myofascial Syndrome
2. Capable of forming rope-like or thread-like structures.
3. (Britain, colloquial) Of poor quality; in poor health.
  Quotations
  The very poultry in the coop / Began to pine away and droop— / The cock was first to go; / And glad we were on all our parts, / He used to damp our very hearts / With such a ropy crow.
  1845, Thomas Hood, The Captain’s Cow
  Although Britain’s migration figures are ropey, other data point in the same direction.
  2012 September 8, “Emigration: On The Road”, in The Economist
4. (of milk or another liquid) Slimy, as after the action of Enterobacter aerogenes in syrup.
  Quotations
  The Hoary Froſts, and Northern Blaſts take care / Thy muddy Bev'rage to ſerene, and drive / Præcipitant the baſer, ropy Lees.
  1708, [John Philips], “Book II”, in Cyder. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson, […], page 68