oakum

American  

[oh-kuhm] / ˈoʊ kəm /

noun

1. loose fiber obtained by untwisting and picking apart old ropes, used for caulking the seams of ships.

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oakum British  

/ ˈəʊkəm /

noun

1. loose fibre obtained by unravelling old rope, used esp for caulking seams in wooden ships

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Etymology

Origin of oakum

before 1000; Middle English okome, Old English ācuma, variant of ācumba, literally, offcombings, equivalent to ā- separative prefix ( see a- ³) + -cumba ( see comb)

Example Sentences

"As long as Freddie is singing and the monitor is beeping, you know things are all right," says Oakum, "but it's a nightmare."

From Time Magazine Archive

Mrs. Oakum could not reply; tears alone responded to the kind greeting.

From I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of Success by Roe, Azel Stevens

Oakum had worked diligently on his boat all day, and continued his labor till a later hour than usual, in expectation that the little skiff would be along, and Sam would accompany him home.

From I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of Success by Roe, Azel Stevens

I shall not attempt to describe the feelings of poor Mr. Oakum when he heard the key turned upon him, and found himself in such company.

From I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of Success by Roe, Azel Stevens

Mary Oakum was in personal appearance a lovely young creature, and an equally lovely spirit breathed forth in every word, sparkled from every look, and shone forth embodied in her whole conduct.

From I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of Success by Roe, Azel Stevens