noun
- pointed metal tools used by sailors to separate strands of rope or wire for splicing
Usage: nautical; plural form
Examples
- The sailor used marlinespikes to splice the thick rope.
- Several marlinespikes hung from hooks in the ship’s rigging room.
- The crew kept their marlinespikes sharp for rope work.
- Old marlinespikes were often made from bone or hardwood.
- She learned to handle marlinespikes during her sailing course.
- The bosun’s collection of marlinespikes was well-maintained.