Definition of Oaum

Definition of Oaum

Oakum, name given to fibres of old tarry ropes sundered by teasing, and employed in caulking the seams between planks in ships; the teasing of oakum is an occupation for prisoners in jails.

- Wikipedia

Oak"um (?), n. [AS. ācumba; pref. &?; (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.

2. The coarse portion separated from flax or hemp in nackling. Knight.

White oakum, that made from untarred rope.

- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

(nautical) the material, consisting of tarred fibres from old rope, used for caulking or packing joints in a wooden ship

- The Nuttall Encyclopedia

You arrived at this page by searching for Oaum
The correct Spelling of this word is: Oakum

Thank you for visiting FreeFactFinder. On our home page you will find extensive articles covering a wide range of topics.

Home | A to Z | About | Contact Us | Related Links