marlinespike

[ mahr-lin-spahyk ]
/ ˈmɑr lɪnˌspaɪk /

noun Nautical.

a pointed iron implement used in separating the strands of rope in splicing, marling, etc.
Also mar·lin·spike, mar·ling·spike [mahr-ling-spahyk] /ˈmɑr lɪŋˌspaɪk/.

Origin of marlinespike

1620–30; orig. marling spike. See marl2, -ing1, spike1

Words nearby marlinespike

marled, marlene, marley, marlin, marline, marlinespike, marlite, marlon, marlovian, marlowe, marlstone

British Dictionary definitions for marlinespike

marlinespike

marlinspike less commonly marlingspike (ˈmɑːlɪŋˌspaɪk)

/ (ˈmɑːlɪnˌspaɪk) /

noun

nautical a pointed metal tool used as a fid, spike, and for various other purposes