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