What does "marl" mean?

Marl: To cover, as part of a rope, with marline, marking a pecular hitch at each turn to prevent unwinding. Marling spike. (Naut.) See under Marline.

Additional senses

  1. 2.A mixed earthy substance, consisting of carbonate of lime, clay, and sand, in very varivble proportions, and accordingly designated as calcareous, clayey, or sandy. See Greensand.
  2. 3.To overspread or manure with marl; as, to marl a field.

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