marlinespike

[ mahr-lin-spahyk ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a pointed iron implement used in separating the strands of rope in splicing, marling, etc.

marlinespike

/ ˈmɑːlɪnˌspaɪk; ˈmɑːlɪŋˌspaɪk /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of marlinespike¹

1620–30; originally marling spike. See marl ², -ing ¹, spike ¹

Example Sentences

I kept casting an eye at Mr Ward, and could see that he was fighting like a hero; but all at once I made a jump to get at him, for I saw Van creep up behind, while he was defending himself from a big fellow with a cutlash, and though I shouted to him, it was of no use, for the poor young fellow was cut down just as I turned dizzy from being fetched to the deck with a crack from a marlinespike.

From Project Gutenberg

Once the captain knocked him down with a marlinespike, but he never drew no knives, not even when the mate kicked him, and told him to get up.

From Project Gutenberg

But sending down was one thing, and making them go was another; for the first fellow turned rusty and wouldn’t stir; till, seeing that half measures were no good, I nodded to Mr Ward, and he put a pistol to the fellow’s ear, and at the same time I gave him just a tap on the head with a marlinespike, when he went down sharp, and the others followed.

From Project Gutenberg

People soon got whispering together and wondering what was to be done next, for they seemed to be busy on deck, and of course we were all very anxious to know; but when Sam Brown got a tub on one of the tables, and then hauled himself up, to have a look through the skylight, he came down again rubbing his knuckles and swearing, for one of the watch had given him a tap with a marlinespike; and after that, of course no one tried to look out.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile I grew so weary of standing about that I was quite grateful when Chips ordered me to fetch him a marlinespike.

From Project Gutenberg