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marlinespike

noun mar·line·spike \ ˈmär-lən-ˌspīk \
variants: or less commonly marlinspike

Definition of marlinespike

: a tool (as of wood or iron) that tapers to a point and is used to separate strands of rope or wire (as in splicing)

First Known Use of marlinespike

1539

in the meaning defined above

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