Definition of marlinspike in English:
marlinspike
noun ˈmɑːlɪnspʌɪkˈmɑrlənˌspaɪk
A pointed metal tool used by sailors to separate strands of rope or wire.
Example sentencesExamples
- A screaming sailor, clad in a sodden loincloth and wielding a marlinspike, leaps at him.
- There's no technobabbling about phased inducers or flux capacitors or what-have-you; the ‘space-ships’ are gorgeously retro, with sails and masts and marlinspikes.
- This knot is used to temporarily secure a marlinspike, a device used to splice rope, to another object.
- In splicing or other work requiring the opening of the strands of rope one's fingers are often inadequate, and a marlinspike or fid must be employed.
Origin
Early 17th century (originally as marling spike): from marling, present participle of marl 'fasten with marline' (from Dutch marlen 'keep binding') + spike1.
Definition of marlinspike in US English:
marlinspike
(also marlinespike)
nounˈmɑrlənˌspaɪkˈmärlənˌspīk
A pointed metal tool used by sailors to separate strands of rope or wire, especially in splicing.
Example sentencesExamples
- This knot is used to temporarily secure a marlinspike, a device used to splice rope, to another object.
- A screaming sailor, clad in a sodden loincloth and wielding a marlinspike, leaps at him.
- There's no technobabbling about phased inducers or flux capacitors or what-have-you; the ‘space-ships’ are gorgeously retro, with sails and masts and marlinspikes.
- In splicing or other work requiring the opening of the strands of rope one's fingers are often inadequate, and a marlinspike or fid must be employed.
Origin
Early 17th century (originally as marling spike): from marling, present participle of marl ‘fasten with marline’ (from Dutch marlen ‘keep binding’) + spike.