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Noun: marlinspike  '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 marlinspike to repair the frayed rope";
    - marlinespike, marlingspike

Derived forms: marlinspikes

Type of: hand tool

Encyclopedia: Marlinspike