marline

American  

[mahr-lin] / ˈmɑr lɪn /

Or marlin,

noun

Nautical.

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

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marline British  

/ ˈmɑːlɪn, ˈmɑːlɪŋ /

noun

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

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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

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 Gould, John Mead

Afterwards he had peddled his gear little by little, dining one day off a riding-light, going to a theatre the next on two marline spikes and a sister-block, and so on.

From The Recipe for Diamonds by Hyne, Charles John Cutcliffe Wright

Immediately abaft the forecastle ladder was the cable stage where hawsers, cable-chains, tar-barrels, tar-pots, tar-brushes, marline spikes, serving-mallets, cork-fenders, water-casks and other spare gear were stowed.

From The Shellback's Progress In the Nineteenth Century by Runciman, Walter

The eye may be finished neatly by whipping all around with yarn or marline, and will then appear as in Fig.

From Knots, Splices and Rope Work A Practical Treatise by Verrill, A. Hyatt (Alpheus Hyatt)

Serving is merely wrapping the rope with spun yarn, marline, or other small stuff, C, Fig.

From Knots, Splices and Rope Work A Practical Treatise by Verrill, A. Hyatt (Alpheus Hyatt)