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

Each left a hook in the knot of the inner buntline, as he went out, and dropped the ball of marline on deck.

From Homeward Bound or, the Chase by Cooper, James Fenimore

The wire used was generally as thick as sailor's marline stuff, or two twisted rope-yarns.

From The Old Front Line by Masefield, John

Boyce constructed a formidable battery of two guns made from stalks of sugar-cane, wound with marline and mounted upon small trucks.

From The History of Company A, Second Illinois Cavalry by Fletcher, Samuel H.

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

From Two Years Before the Mast by Dana, Richard Henry

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

From Dewey and Other Naval Commanders by Ellis, Edward Sylvester