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marline

American  
[mahr-lin] / ˈmɑr lɪn /
Or marlin,

noun

Nautical.
  1. small stuff of two-fiber strands, sometimes tarred, laid up left-handed.


marline British  
/ ˈmɑːlɪn, ˈmɑːlɪŋ /

noun

  1. nautical a light rope, usually tarred, made of two strands laid left-handed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of marline

First recorded in 1375–1425, marline is from the late Middle English word merlin. See marl 2, line 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

This chafing gear consists of worming, parcelling, roundings, battens, and service of all kinds—both rope-yarns, spun-yarn, marline and seizing-stuffs.

From Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana

The chains were secured by marline to eyebolts protected with one-inch boards.

From Dewey and Other Naval Commanders by Edward Sylvester Ellis

Neb ain’t much good for navigating since he got that hit with the marline spike, but for a watch on ship or shore he is all right.

From Killykinick by Mary T. (Mary Theresa) Waggaman

Some makers enclose a marline or other small tarred rope to strengthen the foot of the tent, and it is well to do so.

From How to Camp Out by John Mead Gould

A frame is made after the manner of a saw-horse, with a double top, and tarred or marline twine is used for securing the strands of straw.

From Manual of Gardening (Second Edition) by L. H. (Liberty Hyde) Bailey

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