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Noun: marlinespike  'maa(r)-lin,spIk
  1. A pointed iron hand tool that is used to separate strands of a rope or cable (as in splicing)
    "The boatswain skilfully wielded the marlinespike to repair the frayed rope";
    - marlinspike, marlingspike

Derived forms: marlinespikes

Type of: hand tool

Encyclopedia: Marlinespike