marlinespike
[
mahr
-lin-spahyk]
/ˈmɑr lɪnˌspaɪk/
noun
,
Nautical
1.
a pointed iron implement used in separating the strands of rope in splicing, marling, etc.
Also,
marlinspike,
marlingspike
[
mahr
-ling-spahyk]
/ˈmɑr lɪŋˌspaɪk/
(
Show IPA
)
.
Origin
1620-30;
orig.
marling spike.
See
marl
2
,
-ing
1
,
spike
1
British Dictionary definitions for
marlinespike
marlinespike
/
ˈmɑːlɪnˌspaɪk
/
noun
1.
(
nautical
) a pointed metal tool used as a fid, spike, and for various other purposes