marlinespike
- n a pointed iron hand tool that is used to separate strands of a rope or cable (as in splicing)
- Last week, when the imprisoned officer was paroled in time for Christmas, the Navy sank its marlinespike even deeper by dunning him for $3,777.
- The Academy's first Cuban student, he graduated 126th among 467 in the class of 1920, and was more noted for his "silken line" with debutantes than for marlinespike seamanship.
- As to his loyalty to the new Premier, he gave solemn promise that he (a member of the British crew) " would not throw a marlinespike at the skipper.