marlingspike
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A marlingspike is a pointed metal tool, typically made of iron or steel, used by sailors and riggers. Its primary function is to separate, open, or untwist the strands of a rope or cable, especially when performing tasks like splicing (joining two ropes together) or knotting.
Examples of Usage
- The sailor used a marlingspike to carefully open the strands of the thick hawser for splicing.
- A good marlingspike is an essential tool in any sailor's kit for working with heavy rope.
- He inserted the tip of the marlingspike between the twisted fibers to loosen them.
Advanced Usage
- "To marlinspike seamanship": This phrase refers to the traditional skills of knotting, splicing, and working with rope and cable, of which using a marlingspike is a core part. It denotes practical, hands-on nautical expertise.
- His knowledge wasn't just theoretical; he had excellent marlinspike seamanship.
Variants and Related Words
- Marlinspike (noun): This is an alternative, and very common, spelling for the same tool. The two spellings, "marlingspike" and "marlinspike," are used interchangeably.
- Fid (noun): A similar tool, often made of wood or plastic, used for similar purposes but typically thicker and blunter, used to open holes in sailcloth or for larger rope work.
- Splicing (noun/gerund): The act of interweaving rope strands to join ropes or form loops, for which a marlingspike is a primary tool.
Synonyms
- Spike (in a nautical context)
- Rigger's spike
- Splicing iron
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Knowing one's way around a marlinspike": An idiom meaning to be skilled and knowledgeable in the practical arts of ropework and seamanship.
- The old captain really knew his way around a marlinspike; he could splice any line perfectly.
Noun
- a pointed iron hand tool that is used to separate strands of a rope or cable (as in splicing)