Oakum

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Oakum \Oak"um\ ([=o]k"[u^]m), n. [AS. [=a]cumba; pref. [=a]-
     (cf. G. er-, Goth. us-, orig. meaning, out) + cemban to comb,
     camb comb. See {Comb}.]
     1. The material obtained by untwisting and picking into loose
        fiber old hemp ropes; -- used for calking the seams of
        ships, stopping leaks, etc.


        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The coarse portion separated from flax or hemp in
        nackling. --Knight.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {White oakum}, that made from untarred rope.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  oakum
       n : loose hemp or jute fiber obtained by unravelling old ropes;
           when impregnated with tar it was used to caulk seams and
           pack joints in wooden ships