marline-spike, marlinspike, n.
(ˈmɑːlɪnspaɪk)
Also 7 marlin-speek, 7–9 marling-, 8– marlin(e)spike.
[orig. app. marling-spike, f. marling vbl. n.2 + spike n., the first element being subseq. interpreted as marline n.]
1. Naut. An iron tool tapering to a point, used to separate the strands of rope in splicing, as a lever in marling, etc.
| 1626 Capt. Smith Accid. Yng. Seamen 3 The Boteswaine is to haue the charge of all the Cordage..sailes..and marling spikes. 1693 R. Lyde True Acc. retaking ‘Friend's Adventure’ 14, I look't about the Beams for a Marlin-speek, or any thing else to strike them withal. 1757 Smollett Reprisal ii. xv, As brisk a seaman as ever greased a marlin spike. 1863 P. Barry Dockyard Econ. 178 The British seaman who can only fight with his fists or with a marlinspike. |
b. attrib.: marline-spike hitch, a certain hitch used in marling (see quots.); marline-spike seamanship U.S., skill in handling the marline-spike.
| 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Marline-spike hitch, a peculiar hitch in marling, made by laying the marline-spike upon the seizing stuff, and then bringing the end of that seizing over the standing part, so as to form a jamming bight. 1882 Nares Seamanship (ed. 6) 21 Marling-spike, or Midshipman hitch. 1888 Harper's Mag. July 170/1 Before this is ended he has learned a great deal of marline-spike seamanship. 1896 United Service Mag. 187 There is not nearly so much marlin-spike seamanship as in the days of our forefathers. |
2. A sailor's name for a tropic-bird (Phaethon) and a jäger or skua-gull (Stercorarius), in allusion to the two long pointed median tail-feathers.
| 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Boatswain-bird, Phaeton æthereus... It is distinguished by two long feathers in the tail, called the marling-spike. 1890 Century Dict. |